THE Southend Echo’s Chris Phillips is embarking on another unique charity challenge.
On Saturday June 28, Chris will take part in a 10 hour racket sport fundraiser which will see him play badminton, table-tennis, pickleball, padel and tennis one after the other in Southend.
The challenge entitled ‘Rally Together’ aims to raise awareness around mental health issues in the local area while also raising funds for Mind of the Student, to enable them to bring their excellent work around mental health to our community.
Chris said: “My heart has broken reading so many awful stories around mental health in Southend in recent weeks and months.
“It really brings home how important it is to raise awareness and funds to encourage people to speak out.
“I struggle a lot with my own mental health which only increases my motivation to fundraise because I know how tough it can be.
“I’m so proud to be supporting Mind of the Student and know their work will do a lot to help youngsters in and around Southend improve their mental health”
Mind of the Student gives young people the confidence to speak about their mental health.
They do this by delivering a school-wide mental health programme and community services which equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and skills to recognise and address their own mental health needs.
And Mind of the Student Director and Co-Founder Kieran Goodwin is pleased to be playing a big part in the fundraising.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Chris for taking on such a powerful and creative challenge to support young people’s mental health,” said Kieran.
“At a time when so many in Southend are struggling in silence, initiatives like this help break the stigma and bring the conversation into the community.
“The funds raised will directly support our work in local schools -equipping students with the tools they need to better understand and manage their mental health. We’re proud to stand alongside Chris and support him with Rally Together.
Southend United boss Kevin Maher, Shrimpers legend Steve Tilson and former Millwall star Neil Harris will be among those in attendance on the day
Several other initiatives will also be taking part around the ‘Rallying Together’ fundraiser.
Chris has now raised more than £150,000 for charity, £82,000 of which has been for mental health causes.
He can be sponsored for his latest challenge via https://www.justgiving.com/page/rallytogether
Those wishing to help and support further can contact Chris via [email protected]
