THE Southend Echo’s Chris Phillips is embarking on another unique charity challenge.

On Saturday June 28, Chris will take part in 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 titled ‘Rally Together’ aims to raise awareness around mental health issues in the local area while also raising funds for the ‘Mind of the Student’ to enable them to bring their excellent work around mental health to help youngsters in and around Southend.

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 to encourage people to speak out

“It’s a fun albeit probably quite tiring challenge I’m taking on but hopefully it will spark interest just before Wimbledon gets underway so we can raise money for such a good charity who I think could really make a difference to youngsters in our area.

Chris has already raised £82,000 for mental health causes amid his own struggles and more than £150,000 in total.

Chris can be contacted via chris.phillips@newsquest.co.uk