IT IS the dream holiday for a seriously ill little boy.

And dozens of footballers and a crowd of hundreds played their part in giving Finley Jefferis-Armour the chance of going to Disney World.

Four teams raised thousands of pounds in a match at Saints' St Mary's home to push the six year-old cancer sufferer closer to his fundraising target.

He was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma in February this year and is now in his fifth phase of chemotherapy.

And with Finley battling serious illness, an appeal was launched to raised £5,000 to send him on a dream holiday to Disneyland When events company Fight For Lives heard about his illness they stepped in to pledge funding from their football match at St Mary's to the Merry Oak youngster's campaign.

£3,945 had been raised via Finley's JustGiving page at the time of publication.

Four teams - Fight For Lives, Not Very Athletic, Upham and Fatbach - turned out while more than 500 people attended the match.

Fight For Lives manager Graeme Hampton said: “It went very well. The sun was shining. It was the first time the players had played at St Mary’s and they really enjoyed it.

“Upham walked away with the trophies but the day wasn’t about that. It was more about creating awareness.

Graeme has pledged to carry on raising money, and said: “We just want to try and add a bit of light to his life.

“He was there on Friday and he had a great time. There were lots of smiles. He was the mascot and his parents were very emotional on the day.

“It made me realise why we do what we do.”

Finley’s mum Donna Jefferis said: “Finley was worn out afterwards. He was a bit scared at first to go on the pitch as mascot but it was fantastic and lovely. We were overwhelmed – it’s just amazing what people do for you. It’s fantastic.”

Fight For Lives provides opportunities for people to experience something they’ve always dreamed of – while at the same time raising money for local causes.

The football match was followed by a meal at Quay Fifteen in Shamrock Quay.