The ball has been donated by the first team at Manchester United after players heard about the plight of a Peterborough youngster who suffers from a rare condition.

Bosses at the club were able to pull a few strings after discovering brave Connor Wright, who lives his life in a "bubble" after being diagnosed with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome three years ago, is distantly related to former Man Utd wing half-back Johnny Anderson.

Twelve-year-old Connor's grandmother Sue Kilby's sister was married to the son of the popular footballer who joined the club in 1938.

He made his Football League Division One debut against Middlesbrough shortly before Christmas in 1947, and proceeded to make a total of 39 league and cup appearances for the club.

His most notable outing came in the 1948 FA Cup final, when he scored one of United's goals in a match that is still widely accepted as one of the finest games ever to grace Wembley Stadium as the Red Devils beat Blackpool 4-2.

He was transferred to Nottingham Forest in October 1949, and later played for Peterborough United. On retiring from playing he was recruited to Posh's backroom staff as trainer.

Now it is hoped the ball will raise thousands of pounds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Connor is treated, when it goes up for auction at a ball next month.

Connor's condition, which affects fewer then 40 children in the UK, means he is unable to go to school, as a low white blood cell count means he is unable to fight off infections.

Mrs Kilby, of Harvester Way, Crowland, said Connor was not doing very well at the moment as his blood level was very low and it was vital they raised as much money as possible.

The football fan is also due to undergo a bone marrow aspirate, endoscopy and some work on his teeth.

She added: "We are now in our third year of fund-raising and have so far got £30,000. All year round we hold events to boost funds which goes directly to researching Connor's illness.

"We are so desperate to make Connor better that we will do anything to raise as much money as we can."

While most children have a count of between seven and 15, white blood cells, Connor's blood level registers at just 0.5, meaning a simple bout of flu could leave him on a drip in hospital.

Connor currently takes up to 30 oral enzyme pills a day to help him digest his food properly and a daily antibiotic tablet to help ward off infections.

But the brave youngster is determined not to let it stop him from having fun and enjoys skateboarding with his cousin and listening to heavy metal music, as well as fund-raising for research that he hopes will one day beat his condition.

The ball at The Holiday Inn, in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, on Friday, 7 November, is a sell-out, but anyone who can donate prizes or make donations should call Sue on 07894 253931. To make a bid for the ball, e-mail jkilby585@aol.com