A TEAM of football legends are set to lace up their boots once more in aid of a severely disabled six-year-old who has a rare condition.

Grace Beverton began suffering from severe seizures at the age of five and a half months in 2018.

Following numerous hospital stays and a series of tests, a genetics specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital diagnosed her with a gene mutation.

Grace, who cannot walk or talk, is one of only 38 people diagnosed with the condition around the world and possibly only the third in the UK.

Since her diagnosis, her family and supporters have relentlessly raised money for therapies and equipment which are not available on the NHS.

Currently, the family’s objective is to find specialised and intensive physiotherapy sessions to help Grace sit without assistance.

In the long-term, however, her parents hope she will one day be able to bear weight on her legs or even stand and walk.

Gazette: As she is unable to walk or talk, and with so few cases like Grace's, it is difficult to know how

In a bid to help Grace have the future she deserves, the Colchester United Legends team, including Greg Halford, Karl Duguid, and Kem Izzet, are set to take part in a charity match on May 11 to raise vital funding.

Grace's dad, Dale, 35, a police officer, said: "Grace and all the family are so grateful to the Colchester Legends team, especially Karl Duguid who put the team together for Grace.

"Karl was a hero to me when I was growing up – I feel very lucky that we have now become friends and he is always so keen to help Grace."

The family is receiving support from a children's charity, Tree of Hope, which aids families in fundraising for children like Grace with healthcare needs and provides charity status to benefit from gift aid, and corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.

Becky Andrew, chief executive officer at Tree of Hope, said: "We're really pleased to hear Grace's family has so much support in their community and we hope everyone enjoys the football match.

"Tree of Hope is here to support however we can."

The game will kick-off at 2pm and ticket prices for the match are £5 for adults and £2 for kids.

They are available for purchase at the Stanway Rovers football ground, where the game will be held, on match day.

To donate to Grace’s fund, visit treeofhope.org.uk/grace-beverton.