COLCHESTER United Community Foundation has revealed its October community champion.

Harry Law, eight, was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the main pumping chamber of the heart. 

The condition, which his dad Jay also suffers from, causes a thickening of the heart muscle and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Due to this condition, he was never able to play football without the fear of collapsing.

This year Harry's life completely changed when he was fitted with an ICD, a device which helps regulate abnormal heart rhythms.

But playing football still seemed to be an impossible task.

This was until managers and coaches at Colchester District's Under 9's League rallied the community together. 

Parents and children worked together to raise more than £500 for a protective vest which let Harry enjoy the sport he loves without additional worry. 

The football community raised £560 to buy the vest, which was custom-made, as well as provided funding for a new vest once he outgrows the current one.

Harry is now back to playing football without carrying any fear around his condition or accessibility.

Over the weekend, Colchester United Community Foundation welcomed Harry and his family to the stadium as October’s Community Champion.

David Hooley, community impact and insight officer, said: "Harry has shown incredible bravery throughout the process and in getting back to doing what he loves, with very few children his age playing with an ICD fitted.

"What stood out about Harry’s story, is how much he’s experienced at such a young age and the bravery he has shown to overcome the initial difficulties he faced.

"To be one of the youngest players in the area, and possibly the country, to be in his position is a credit to his determination and love for football.”

For his match day experience, Harry received a stadium tour, a meet and greet with first team players and a chance to play on the pitch pre-match, before being presented with his award on the pitch.

The community group is always on the lookout for new Community Champions, to nominate someone email david.hooley@colchesterunited.net.