Southend United staff and players have made a heart-warming visit to Havens hospices to spread festive cheer.

The visits followed the club's successful "United In Giving" campaign, which raised vital funds for the charity.

Head coach Kevin Maher took half of the squad to Little Havens, the children's hospice in Thundersley, on December 16, while the other half attended Fair Havens, the charity's adult hospice in Southend, on December 17.

The visits allowed the team to see the care provided to those in need.

The club's supporters and partners donated £3,938 to the campaign, which was matched by the club to raise a total of £7,876.

Visit - Supporters and partners of the club generously donated £3,938 to the campaign (Image: Southend United)

The players handed out gifts to those being cared for and the staff providing it, taking time to chat with patients and families.

The remaining donations will go towards the charity's Big Christmas "Yes!" appeal, helping Havens hospices continue providing specialist care and support for those living with incurable conditions during the festive period.

Reflecting on the visit, Mr Maher said: "It is a brilliant thing for the club to do.

"For the players as well, it’s really good to give them a perspective on things, which is really important.

Amazing - The players handed out gifts for those that were being cared for (Image: Southend United)

"In our football world, we can be in a little bubble, so it’s a privilege to do things like this.

"Havens is full of amazing people and the staff that work there are unbelievable.

"It is a pretty amazing place."

The club have created two videos from their time at Little Havens and Fair Havens, which will be released on Christmas Eve.

Lydia Plews, business development manager at Havens Hospices, added: "The support Havens Hospices has received from Southend United Football Club is nothing short of amazing.

Charity - Head Coach Kevin Maher visiting Havens (Image: Southend United)

"Thanks to the generous donation from the club and its fans, Havens Hospices can continue saying ‘Yes!’ to every family this festive season, helping them to create treasured memories during the most difficult times.

"We are also so grateful to every single member of the Southend United team for visiting both of our hospices - it was such a special day for the children, adults and families we are caring for, as well as our staff and volunteers.

"Watching the whole team take time to chat and spread joy to everyone at the hospices, including life-long Southend United fans, really did bring lots of smiles to faces – a beautiful reminder of the strength and spirit of our community when we come together.”