HARRY Pell says he is ‘over the moon’ after an auction of the Colchester United shirt he wore against Manchester United raised £3,500 for charity.

An anonymous U’s supporter bid highest to secure the jersey, which Pell wore in the club’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford, last December.

The profits raised from the auction will go to baby bereavement charities supported by U's fan Daniel Whymark and his wife Katie, whose baby son Lucas tragically died last October.

Colchester midfielder Pell says he is delighted his shirt raised so much for special causes.

Pell said: “I couldn’t believe it - it's absolutely amazing.

“I’m over the moon for Daniel and Katie.

“In the end, two Colchester fans were bidding until the very last seconds, before the auction ended.

“They’ve both asked to be anonymous, which I completely respect.

“It got to 11.59am and 55 seconds and the winner bid £3,500.

“He’s a big Colchester fan – he has a box at the stadium and he’s going to frame the shirt and have it there.

“He’s also going to invite Daniel and Katie to watch a game in his box, which is a lovely touch.”

The Whymarks set up a fundraising page to raise money for various charities, following the death of their son last year.

Lucas was born on October 14, 2019 but sadly died unexpectedly the same day, leading to his parents deciding to raise funds for charity in loving memory of their son.

The fundraising page has so far raised £6,280 for charities.

“The big thing is that I’m just fortunate to be in a position where I can help,” added Pell.

“I’m just a normal lad and when I first heard about it, I knew that there would be an opportunity to help raise the profile but it never crossed my mind that it would get as big as it did.

“The thing that I’ve learnt from this is how massive social media is and how much of an influence it can have.

“It also sums up why I love playing for clubs like Colchester United.

“Some clubs also get labelled family clubs but in Colchester’s case, they are 100 per cent in that category.

“That is very important to me.”

Daniel and Katie Whymark are still hoping to raise more money for baby bereavement charities.

Anyone who would like to donate should visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lucas-whymark