The Gills are backing the Medway Messenger’s Christmas appeal to give a severely disabled little boy a room of his own.
The club will be holding a collection at Priestfield to raise funds for eight-year-old Terry Kiddie, who was born with severe brain damage and cerebral palsy, at its Boxing Day match against Barnet.
Since his birth, Terry has spent long periods in hospital, had multiple operations and suffered a series of complications.
Last Christmas he was in hospital and missed out on his favourite time of the year, but now he’s back in the family home in Banky Field Close, Rainham, with mum Melanie, brother Thomas, 14, and 10-year-old sister Natasha.
The severity of his condition means the lounge has had to be converted into a room for him while Melanie had turned her bedroom into the family living room and is sleeping on a mattress on the floor.

Family and friends have rallied round to launch a fundraising campaign aiming to raise £20,000 for essential alterations to the house and give Terry (pictured above with his family) a specialist bedroom and wetroom.
On Boxing Day Terry will meet the Gills’ mascot before kick off and a ground collection will be held. Medway Mayor Cllr Vaughan Hewett is also backing the appeal. He said: “We are hoping that Terry will get a better life and get his own bedroom. This is not just for Terry, but for his whole family, who are all affected by his plight.
“This is a horrible condition that Terry has, but it could be anyone of us. It is brilliant that Gillingham FC and the Medway Messenger have lent their support to the campaign.”
Generous Messenger readers have already sent in more than £500 in cheques for the appeal.
To donate whatever you can afford, send a cheque payable to Terry Kiddie Trust to: A Room for Terry, Medway Messenger, Medway House, Sir Thomas Longley Road, Medway City Estate, Strood, ME2 4DU.
n If you would like to host a fundraising event or can help in any other way, call Rebecca Hughes on 01634 227835 or email rhughes@thekmgroup.co.uk