SOUTHEND United have negotiated their own road to Wembley this season.

But now Echosport reporter Chris Phillips will be doing likewise - on foot.

The long-serving follower of the Shrimpers will be walking from Roots Hall to the world famous home of English football ahead of the FA Trophy final against Wealdstone.

And Chris - who has already raised close to £180,000 for charity - is taking on the epic challenge in a bid to raise enough funds to purchase a bus which will be used by mental health groups in Southend along with the Blues' community foundation.

Chris explained: "The idea is for the bus to be used by as many mental health groups and charities in and around Southend.

"They can use it to head out to events and to also put on counselling sessions or whatever they feel would benefit people most.

"I really hope it can be make a difference in our area and, while plans have yet to be fully finalised, we've been talking about ways it could be used to engage with young fans at Southend United games by having it at Roots Hall.

"It's hopefully going to be a real community project and it would be great to get as many people on board as possible."

SECE Mind, Andy's Man Club and Southend Samaritans have already signed up to the project along with Southend United's Community Foundation.