Judy Murray among star names supporting journalist embarking on tennis marathon

Kevin Palmer
Chris Phillips has received the backing of Judy Murray
Chris Phillips has received the backing of Judy Murray

Sports writer Chris Phillips will be playing tennis non-stop for 11 hours and five minutes to raise funds for SECE Mind this weekend.

The idea behind the event was inspired by the famous match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon back in 2010, which was decided as Isner won the fifth set 70-68.

And the Southend Echo reporter has already received plenty of backing with Sue Barker, Judy Murra and Ryan Peniston all sending over messages of support.

He has also received the backing of Mahut, who offered up these words of support.

“I hope you’re ready and have trained well,” said Mahut.

“It’s a long time but congratulations to you. It’s very good to do it for a nice reason and good luck to you too. I hope you’re going to raise a lot of money.

“My match with John was a long time ago now but and I are very proud to be part of this history of the game.

“It’s very good to do it for a nice reason and good luck to you too. I hope you’re going to raise a lot of money.”

Chris will take to the court, at Southend Lawn Tennis Club, two days before Wimbledon gets underway and will start play at 10am before finishing shortly after 9pm.

The keen tennis player will play different opponents in 22 half-hour slots.

Among those to already have confirmed their attendance are current Southend United boss Kevin Maher and ex-Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson.

TV presenter Jeff Brazier and Apprentice star Tom Skinner have also confirmed they will try to make it down.

Chris raised £23,000 for South East and Central Essex Mind last year when organising a football match at Southend United in memory of former Shrimpers skipper Chris Barker.

He also co-founded Run Free Official, a mental health support group back in 2020 and is a trustee for SECE Mind.

Chris said: “I struggle with mental health issues myself so I’m always keen to raise funds for Mind and to also raise awareness.

“When you’re going through tough times you can often feel like it’s just you that is feeling that way so it’s important people realise that isn’t the case and speak out.

“I love tennis so this seemed like a good idea but I might change my mind 11 hours in.

“I’m not sure I will be moving much by then!”

Should Chris reach his target he will also have raised £100,000 for charity.