Colchester: Brothers treated by Colchester United after being hit by car outside school

Colchester United players Brian Wilson and Alex Gilbey stopped by Myland Primary School to give two brothers Josh, 11, and Jake, six, who were hit by a car outside the school, matchday tickets

Jake, six, and 11-year-old Josh Faulkner were struck by the vehicle on a pedestrian crossing outside Myland Community Primary School in Mill Road, Colchester, on Tuesday at about 3.25pm.

The boys’ mother Gem, 29, said they spent a night in hospital with Jake suffering a broken foot and Josh sustaining bruising and swelling, including two black eyes.

As a special get well soon treat, two Colchester United footballers, Alex Gilbey and Brian Wilson, visited the youngsters at their school on Friday and presented the pair with tickets to a game. Mrs Faulkner, who works in a nursing home in the town, said she was “overwhelmed” by all the support the boys had received from the community.

“When I told the boys about Colchester United wanting to meet them they were so excited and my eldest son Josh couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“It was a lovely afternoon and it was nice for not only my children but the whole school to be able to get involved.” Josh, is a fan of the U’s and plays for Colchester Athletic FC.

He, along with his brother and his whole school, were able to quiz the professional footballers on their careers.

Mr Gilbey said: “It was horrible to hear that Josh and Jake had had this accident and inviting them to the game is the least we could do.

“It was great to see that they are recovering and it looked like all the other kids were really pleased to see them. We are only round the corner so we are very much part of this community. The players understand that and we enjoy coming out to schools and clubs around Colchester.”

Josh and Jake took home autographs from the footballers as souvenirs.

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