A CHARITY football match is set to be held to raise funds for a disabled youngster with a rare muscular condition.

Four-year-old Stanley Newman, of Skelmersdale Road, Clacton, has the wasting disease, congenital muscular dystrophy, which is slowly weakening his body.

Parents Laura and Rob Newman have inspired non-profit organisation Essex Hands, which recently announced Stanley as their charitable cause for this year.

Essex Hands is now in the process of planning a charity football match and concert to fundraise for a special hydrotherapy spa for Stanley’s garden.

The spa will help Stanley relax his legs and body.

It is being donated by a charity and Essex Hands is raising the money needed to fit the pool.

Dad Rob said: “I got a call from Essex Hands recently and we are extremely grateful and gobsmacked that they are helping.

“I used to take Stanley swimming twice a week as it is an important part of his therapy.

“Warm water in a hydrotherapy pool will help Stanley use the little strength he has left on a daily basis as the water takes up to 70 per cent of his body weight.

“It would make such a large difference to the health of Stanley and make him a happier little boy.”

Essex Hands founder Marion Knight said: “I heard about Stanley last year and his condition is very close to my heart as my great niece also suffers with a similar disease.

“I want him to be able to live the rest of his life to the full with his family and we hope that we can achieve that.”

Essex Hands is holding its annual charity football match for Stanley at FC Clacton’s Rush Green ground on June 4, at 1pm, where Essex Hands United will play against the Arsenal Charity Team.

The Essex Hands United side will be made up of Stanley’s family and friends, while the Arsenal Charity Team will include a number of former Gunners professional players and celebrities.

Marion said: “We have performers at a concert before and after the match and so far we have Lydia Lucy from The Voice confirmed for this year’s event.”