A group of young footballers have clubbed together to raise money for a boy with a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

Herne Bay Youth Under-16s were inspired by their captain Georgie Barnes to support the Caring for Connor Campaign.

Connor Olsen is five years old and suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The condition causes muscle degeneration, which means he will be in a wheelchair by the age of 10, and has a life expectancy of 20.

There is currently no known cure for the condition, and research into treatments is not funded by the NHS.

Georgie said: “I first heard about it when I saw a friend on Facebook share his photo. Once I had researched about his condition I wanted to help.

“I was a similar age to Connor when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes so I could relate to the scariness of hospitals.

“I asked my manager whether we could support the Caring for Connor Campaign and he did not hesitate to say yes.

“So I thought of what my teammates and I could do to raise awareness. I got in touch with Connor’s parents Wayne and Georgina. They were excited to have a football team on board.

“It started with a few leaflets to hand out but then I asked the boys whether they would train and warm up in a Caring for Connor top and they all agreed.

“On most Sundays we travel to other places in Kent to play football, so it will spread awareness of the campaign all around.

“The team met Georgina to present her with a kit and signed ball, and we will have other events and fundraising ideas planned in the future.”

Connor’s parents set up the campaign and have received widespread support.

Mum Georgina Olsen, 33, said: “When we first got the diagnosis in March 2013 it was devastating - we could have taken ourselves off a cliff. We were in such a bad place. We thought what shall we do?

“We started the campaign. It’s absolutely amazing that Georgie contacted us and suggested the idea of supporting it.

“We were shocked that the young lads would do something like this for Connor. It shows that not all teenagers out there are yobbos.”

The campaign has also spread into Herne Bay, with patrons of the Druid’s Head pub donating a cheque for £300 to the campaign.

To find out more about the charity please visit www.caring4connor.com