CELEBRITY footballers will limber up for a charity match featuring a five-year-old as man of the match.

Stanley Newman already has his kit for the Essex Hands United versus Arsenal Charity Team game, which will see his family and friends face off against former Gunners and celebrities.

Stanley was born with congenital Muscular Dystrophy which has no cure and will require life-long physiotherapy.

The youngster is mobile only with a powered wheelchair or in water when dad Rob, 42, says he comes alive.

Essex Hands is supporting the family’s £20,000 fundraising efforts to install a hydrotherapy spa and therapy room at home while making their garden accessible.

A successful car wash at Clacton Fire Station - where firefighter Rob works - boosted the kitty to £1,000.

Mr Newman said: “At the moment he can’t get around the garden so we need to completely revamp it.

“Hydrotherapy is also the best way to help children with Muscular Dystrophy. It negates the gravity which is what makes us heavy so he really comes alive in the water and can stand up in it.

“One thing I’ve learnt is, above everything, it’s really important to be a family and forget the worries sometimes so it’d be lovely to get him in there with his brothers having some fun.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Bravehearts - Stanley shares a laugh with dad Rob

The Voice finalist Lydia Lucy is performing at the family fun day and a roaring 9ft animatronic dinosaur will make an appearance at Clacton FC’s Rush Green ground alongside cheerleaders, dancers and a magician.

Proceeds from the event will be split between Stanley’s Heroes and the Arsenal Foundation.

Rob, from Walton, said: “It’s been a process. We have two very healthy and active boys, then to be told your youngest son won’t live past his teenage years - it took a long time for us to process. Fundraising is part of how we deal with it.

“Sometimes we’ve felt lonely but when we’re contacted by people like Marion Knight. founder of Essex Hands, and are supported at our events, you realise there’s a good community in Clacton and everyone is on our side.

“We just focus on the positive and making memories because Stanley deserves that.”

The family fun day takes place on June 4 from 10am until 6pm.

To donate, click here.