The father of a nine-year-old girl with a rare disability is hold a charity football day to repay a pair of fundraising friends who helped his family last year.

The Comet: Gary Hall and Stuart Lee with Leila Rainbow after the Hampshire Hoppit in June 2016. Photo: Courtesy of Barry RainbowGary Hall and Stuart Lee with Leila Rainbow after the Hampshire Hoppit in June 2016. Photo: Courtesy of Barry Rainbow (Image: Archant)

Gary Hall and Stuart Lee, both from Baldock, ran in three races last year to raise £4,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and their friend Barry Rainbow’s eldest daughter Leila, who lives with the neurological disability ataxia.

This year Knights Templar old boys Gary and Stuart are doing it all again in aid of Get Kids Going, which helps get disabled children into sport – and Barry is to boost their total with his free football day in Stotfold on April 30.

Barry, who lives in Stotfold but grew up in Baldock, told the Comet: “Gary, Stuart and I have been friends since school, nearly 30 years now. Having a football background as a founder member of Baldock Town Youth, managing youth teams and running my own Saturday seniors club for 12 years, it was the best way I knew how to help.

“After what they did for me throughout last year, I feel I have to do something for them. It’s paying them back for what they have done for me and my family.”

The Comet: Gary Hall and Stuart Lee with Leila Rainbow after the Brighton Marathon in April 2016. Photo: Courtesy of Barry RainbowGary Hall and Stuart Lee with Leila Rainbow after the Brighton Marathon in April 2016. Photo: Courtesy of Barry Rainbow (Image: Archant)

There will be a raffle on the day, with prizes including a meal for two at the Stag pub, a London Eye and river cruise package and a family Wembley Stadium tour – as well as an auction for a West Ham United shirt, worn by Aaron Cresswell in a home match against Chelsea and signed by the Hammers squad.

Gary and Stuart have already run the Baldock Beast in aid of Get Kids Going, and are set to take on the London Marathon on April 23 and the 100km Race to the King in late June.

The charity football day starts at 12.30pm on Sunday, April 30, at Stotfold FC.

To find out more call Barry on 07886 826518. You can also text Barry on that number if you would like to place a bid for the signed West Ham shirt.