The family of a boy from Lower Halstow are to hold a charity football match to raise money for the hospital ward that has cared for him over the years.

Jake Theobald, who has cerebral palsy, is registered blind and epileptic, has been a regular on the children’s Dolphin Ward at Medway Maritime Hospital since he was a baby.

To say ‘thank you’ to the staff, the 12-year-old’s family have organised the charity game and hope to raise at least £1,000 for the ward.

His dad Matt, 36, said: “Jake has spent a lot of time in and out of the ward throughout his life so it’s just for us to be able to put money back into the hospital he goes to and thank staff for their care.

“The idea of raising the money is to help go towards life-saving equipment or, even, something as simple as games, toys or electronics.

“It’s about getting whatever the staff feel they need.”

The father-of-four added: “You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to the children on the ward to have something to play with throughout their stay.”

This will not be the first time Jake’s family have fundraised for Dolphin Ward.

Previous events include a 26-mile sponsored bike ride, which was organised by Matt and his fiancée Carly Olde, in 2012. From that alone, the couple managed to raise £3,020.

The charity football match will take place on Saturday, April 11 at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium.

A team from Rochester-based firm KD Group of Companies, for which Matt is an operation manager, will take on players put together by Jake’s uncle, Darren Olde, who works for Coachwork Renovations in Gravesend. Kick off will be at 7.15pm.

Everyone is welcome and there will be a bar open during and after the game.

A JustGiving page has also been set up for the event. It has so far raised more than £480 of the £1,000 target.

Matt said: “All donations, no matter how big or small, will be gratefully received. Anything raised on the day will be added to the total amount.”

Tickets for the game will cost £2.50 for adults and £1 for children and seniors.

To make a donation, click here.