AN IMPRESSIVE array of sporting stars will be stepping up to support a big mental health fundraiser in Southend later this month, led by the Echo’s sports correspondent Chris Phillips.

Chris will be holding a sponsored 24-hour live-stream of top-class interviews at the Holiday Inn at Southend Airport to raise money for South East and Central Essex Mind, a charity close to his heart.

And a number of well known faces have agreed to take part.

Chris is looking forward to the challenge which will begin at 1pm on Friday, October 20.

“It’s going to be hard work but a lot of fun too,” said Chris.

“The response to it has been fantastic and I can’t believe the calibre of people who have agreed to take part.

“I just ended up messaging every name I had in my phone really and I didn’t expect them to get back to me at all.

“But it’s great and it’s to try and emphasise it’s good to talk.

“It’s World Mental Health Day today and it’s a subject very close to my heart so I always try and do what I can to raise funds and awareness.”

Hollywood actor Ray Winstone sent a message of support to feature in a promotional video while Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee and a huge number of ex-Blues stars including Bilel Mohsni, Steve Tilson, Peter Taylor and Barry Corr will also be taking part.

The livestream, which is sponsored by Safe Fire Protection, is in conjunction with Southend United and will finish just ahead of their designated ‘Match for Mind’ against Solihull Moors at Roots Hall on Saturday.

“It’s great to be teaming up with Southend United because it really helps to get the message across to more people,” said Chris.

“We don’t want people to be suffering in silence and want to raise awareness of the help you can get.

“I’m a trustee for Mind and report on Southend United so I was keen to do whatever I could.

“And I haven’t had much sleep due to having to write so many stories about the club in the last few weeks so it’s probably been good practice in a weird way.”

Chris has now raised £109,000 for charity and played tennis nonstop for 11 hours five minutes back in July to also raise funds for Mind.

And he hopes the livestream will prove to be equally as popular.

“It should be good and the match is actually the first Justin Rees is expecting to attend at Roots Hall so hopefully that will add a few more to the gate and we can raise a good amount of money,” Chris added.

Run Free United also played a football match with London Southend Airport ahead of the livestream and raised £1,100.