a day ago
Big sporting names to attend Echo reporter's mental health fundraiser
SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher and fellow Shrimpers legend Steve Tilson will both star in Chris Phillips' latest fundraiser tomorrow.
Chris - who is the Echo's long serving Blues reporter - will be playing a combination of racket sports for 10 consecutive hours at David Lloyd Southend this weekend to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind of the Student.
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And Chris is looking forward to seeing a number of familiar faces throughout his latest challenge with TikTok stars Alexis LOS and Jack Wells.
'It's great that Kev and Tilly are coming along to take part and there could be some other well known people too taking part,' said Chris.
'It's going to be a tough challenge and now it's getting nearer I'm starting to worry if I might actually be able to do it.
'But getting through difficult times is what mental health is all about really so I guess it's quite fitting so I'll do whatever it takes to get to the end of the 10 hours.'
Chris will start the challenge playing badminton for two hours before he also plays pickleball, table-tennis, padel and tennis.
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And the challenge is for a cause close to Chris' heart.
'I struggle an awful lot with my own mental health but that gives me extra motivation to fundraise and try to stop others feeling the same way,' said Chris.
'I've actually struggled a lot this week if I'm honest but the fundraiser has been a big motivating factor for me and I'll do whatever I can to make it a success.'
Chris is no stranger to fundraising having already made £157,000 for a combination of charities.
His latest challenge has already raised close to £11,000 including gift aid and that total could yet see Chris having to carry out a forfeit.
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'If I get to £10,000 without gift aid I have to record my first ever TikTok dance and if I get to £15,000 then I have to dye my hair so it makes it a bit more interesting,' said Chris.
'I thought making myself look even more stupid might be a good way of persuading more people to sponsor me and I'm certain it has got me a few more donations.
'It's all for an amazing cause too as Mind of the Student do such incredible work to help youngsters with their mental health and I'm fundraising to help bring their work to Southend which would be massive for our area.'
Chris was keen to thank his main sponsors Genesis Risk Solutions alongside Get Set and c2c for their support.
