More than 70 people turned out to have their photo taken at Colchester United on Saturday as part of a charity project.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kerry Smith has her photograph taken for the 1,000 faces project to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation at the Saturday's home match.Kerry Smith has her photograph taken for the 1,000 faces project to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation at the Saturday's home match.

The 1,000 Faces of Colchester photoshoot took place on Saturday before the U’s game against Leyton Orient to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation (TBF).

The project, which has been sponsored by the club and Kerseys Solicitors, sees photographer Gavin King aim to take pictures of 1,000 people at the club.

If he succeeds then Kerseys has offered to donate £1,000 to the TBF.

The TBF was founded in memory of Tom Bowdidge, a Colchester teenager who died in October 2013 from a rare stomach cancer but raised more than £170,000 for charity before he passed away.

East Anglian Daily Times: Harry Naylor, 11, has his photograph taken by photographer Gavin King for the 1,000 faces project to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation at the Saturday's home match.Harry Naylor, 11, has his photograph taken by photographer Gavin King for the 1,000 faces project to raise money for the Tom Bowdidge Foundation at the Saturday's home match.

A total of 77 people had their pictures taken on the first photoshoot day.

Among them was Eddie Bowdidge from Stowmarket, a long-lost fourth cousin of Tom’s father Richard, who has been reunited with the family after spotting the unusual name in an East Anglian Daily Times article about the project.

Richard Bowdidge said: “We are moved and grateful that so many people have been inspired by Tom to take part in this event.

“We are grateful to Kerseys, Gavin and the club for setting up what has been a great homage to Tom and a way to raise much needed funds for our cause.”

Mr King, 33, who ran a similar project in Ipswich to show the diversity of the town, gave people a white board so they could write down whatever they are feeling as a way to express themselves.

He said: “It was hard work but a lot of fun. It’s been a great day and I’d like to thank everybody who took part.”

Matt Hudson, media manager at Colchester United, added: “It was a fun and inspiring day and it’s fantastic that so many people have got on board.

“The club is delighted to have the Tom Bowdidge Foundation as its official charity and to help them raise much needed funds.”

To find out more about the 1,000 Faces project and how to get involved visit www.tombowdidgefoundation.org.