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Reporter completes charity run in memory of colleague

A sports reporter has raised more than £6,500 towards research into bowel cancer after completing a 34-mile run in memory of a colleague who died last year.

Chris Phillips from Southend-based daily The Echo decided to run between four non-league football grounds after the death of the paper’s deputy sports editor Dick Marshall, who died from bowel cancer last June aged 63.

He has now raised more than £6,500 for the Bobby Moore Fund after carrying out the extended marathon between the football clubs, which were ones covered extensively by Dick during more than 30 years he spent at the Echo.

Chris, who is the paper’s Southend United reporter, started his run at Billericay Town before heading to Concord Rangers and Canvey Island, then finishing at Great Wakering Rovers.

Chris crosses the finishing line to complete his run.

He said: “It was incredibly difficult and far tougher than I ever could have imagined, especially as it was so hot, but the feeling at the end was indescribable.

“I was obviously exhausted and delighted to have finished what at certain points seemed to be a never-ending run.

“But it was quite emotional too because I’ve done this all in memory of Dick, who we all still miss terribly.”

Chris was joined for the whole route by the Echo’s sports editor Paul Alton and friend Jez Bryan, who both cycled round the course.