Laike Lawrance, 3, lives with MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome, a rare and severe neurological condition that affects his ability to move, speak, and develop. He has seizures, low muscle tone, and profound developmental delays.

There is currently no treatment for the condition, only therapies to manage symptoms.

In a bid to raise funds for research into his condition, Hartley Wintney FC is hosting a Sellebrity Soccer match on Sunday, Septmeber 28.

Vikki Lawrance, Laike's mother, said: "We're hosting a celebrity football match at Hartley Wintney FC with the amazing team at Sellebrity Soccer, to raise funds for the MEF2C Foundation. The money raised will go directly toward developing and releasing the first-ever treatment for this condition.

Laike has a very rare condition (Image: Vikki Lawrance)

"Thanks to last year's support, we've made huge progress. There are now two therapies in development, and we expect them to be ready and proven in the lab by the end of this year. We're also preparing for clinical trials and working with regulators to build the first-ever natural history of MEF2C -- a vital step toward getting treatments approved."

Currently, there are only around 450 known cases worldwide, but as genetic testing improves, more families will receive this diagnosis. "We want to make sure they're met with answers -- not despair," Vikki added.

She continued: "This match is more than just a fundraiser. It's a chance to change the future for Laike and children like him. If we can raise the funds we need, we believe these therapies could recover many of the symptoms that hold them back -- maybe even lead to full recovery. That means children like Laike could one day walk, talk, and experience the world with independence, rather than relying on a wheelchair and 24/7 care."

Stars such as Jake Wood from EastEnders, Sean Stone from Love Island, TikTok's Cal the Dragon and more will take to the field at the Memorial Fields, home to Hartley Wintney FC at 3pm on September 28. Gates open at 1pm. Tickets can be booked by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrity-charity-football-match-at-hartley-whitney-fc-tickets-1548506026209?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

A spokesperson for Hartley Wintney FC said: "We are honoured to welcome back Laike, a three-year-old boy living with MCHS, and his family as ambassadors for this year's event. Their courage and advocacy continue to inspire the Foundation's mission and the wider community."

Lorena Garcia Fernandez, trustee at MEF2C Foundation, said: "Our goal is simple but urgent.

"We want to replace the devastating diagnosis of 'there's nothing you can do' with the life-changing promise of 'don't worry, we have a treatment.'"