A sports reporter is preparing to take on the challenge of a 30-mile run in memory of an inspirational colleague who died last year after a battle with cancer.

Chris Phillips, left, from The Echo, Basildon, will run between four non-league football grounds to raise funds for charity after the death of deputy sports editor Dick Marshall, the paper’s non-league writer, who died from bowel cancer last June at the age of 63.

He chose to run between the clubs as they were ones covered extensively by Dick during more than 30 years he spent working at the Echo.

Chris will carry out the extended marathon of more than 30 miles on 23 April to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund which supports research into bowel cancer.

He said: “Dick really was a wonderful man who was well known around south-east Essex for his love and knowledge of local sport.

“He was also very highly thought of at the Echo and work has not been the same without his presence, sense of humour and never ending supply of food!

“Dick worked for the paper for more than 30 years and was a huge help to me personally as I came to Echo towers when I was only 21-years-old.

“His guidance and advice was always spot on and not a day goes by without him still being mentioned on the sports desk.”

Chris’ run will start at Billericay Town FC before he heads to Concord Rangers and Canvey Island, and he will finish at Great Wakering Rovers – having photos taken at each to prove he arrived.

To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com.