MEMBERS of the community who have struggled with mental health issues joined together to compete in a fundraising football match.

Run Free was set up earlier this year to raise awareness of mental health and allow south Essex residents to battle through their struggles together.

Established by the Echo’s chief sports reporter Chris Phillips and Eddy Cooper, Run Free has highlighted mental health issues by recording a regular podcast, which has welcomed legendary guests such as Colin Jackson and Dame Kelly Holmes.

Run Free members have also been put through their paces on the football pitch by former Southend United stars Steve Tilson, Michael Timlin, Mark Phillips, Charlie Kelman, Frankie Banks and current coach Craig Fagan.

They put all they have learnt into action as they took their fundraising for Mind to £560 by sweeping Southend & EMT Cricket Club aside with a 7-3 win at Garon Park, thanks in no small part to a Bradley James hat-trick.

Mr Phillips was pleased to see the clash, which was broadcast live on Twitch, prove to be a success after Run Free’s original opponents were forced to pull out due to Covid issues.

He said: “It was a really great night and one I think everyone really enjoyed.

“We were really grateful for Southend coming to the rescue because there wouldn’t have been a game without them. We have a really good relationship with them and they beat us at cricket earlier this year so it’s 1-1 now! We need to think of a decider.

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“For me, the most pleasing thing was just seeing everyone having fun, cheering for their team-mates and just really enjoying it all.

“We got to wear our new kit for the first time, which has been sponsored by Paul Robinson Solicitors, and it looked great.

“The way Run Free has taken off in quite a short space of time has been unbelievable and we look forward to more nights and occasions like this.”

Mr Phillips is overjoyed to have seen Run Free – which helps to boost morale among those struggling with mental health issues – grow significantly since setting up the organisation with Mr Cooper during the initial lockdown period.

He added: “We have partnered with the cricket club and Southend United, which bodes well for the future.”