BBC SPORT: Lightwell Sports Group Officially Takes Over Colchester United Ownership As A Video Surfaces The Internet. Click The Link Below To Watch The Whole Agreement Process

Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling confirmed last week he is in advanced talks to sell the club to United States-based consortium, Lightwell Sports Group.

In the statement, it was revealed that Lightwell Sports Group is owned by American businessman, Tim Foley.

There is not much information about the group online except a website which has a 2025 copyright.

Lightwell Sports Group has now updated the website to include an unseen video that was recorded at Colchester’s home match against Morecambe on January 25.

Colchester United won 1–0 and there was an attendance of 4,328 football fans on the day.

In the footage, you can supporters at the fan shop at the JobServe Community Stadium, players on the pitch, the crowd, and moments from the match.

Mr Foley’s LinkedIn profile states he is the owner of Lightwell Development, a New York based property development firm which built more than 100 apartments last year.

He has previously worked for the United World Wresting group as a senior manager of media operations.

Colchester Council issued an update after it was understood from a credible source that the deal does not include the sale of the JobServe Community Stadium, which is owned by the authority.

Stuart “Stu” Smith, 40, an accountant, was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2019 after discovering a lump in his neck.

Since then, he and his wife Lauren, from Stanway, have been through a devastating journey of surgeries, failed treatments, and relentless setbacks.

Lauren spoke with the Gazette after she launched a fundraiser to access a potentially life-saving treatment in the United States after all other options in the UK have been exhausted.

The couple initially thought they would need to raise £1.3million but have now been given hope of alternative treatment.

In an update Stu said they had found a hospital in Israel offer exactly the same treatment at a much lower cost.

He said: “Your support so far has been nothing short of amazing.

“While most were clinical trials I don’t qualify for, but there was one lead that paid off.”

Since the Gazette article last week the couple have raised more than £60,000.

They now hope to reach £167,000 to pay for the treatment.

One of Stu’s friends Daniel Beacham is set to host a nostalgic fundraiser to support Stu.

The #DoItForStu Charity 90s & 00s Night will take place on Saturday, June 7, at the Delta Hotel in Colchester with all proceeds going to the GoFundMe appeal.

Daniel said: “Stu is one of my best friends, and as his family and friends, we are doing our bit.

“He loves a night out, he loves his music, and he’s a very sociable guy.

I thought it was a great way to bring people together—and if local businesses get involved, book a table or donate a prize for the auction, they could genuinely help save someone’s life.

“People have already shown a lot of interest on Facebook and we’d really appreciate them getting a ticket now.”

Tickets are £15, and the event is open to everyone. Daniel is strongly appealing to businesses to come forward and make this event a success.

The venue will be filled with great music, good company, and powerful purpose.