JUDY Murray is backing Echo sports reporter Chris Phillips’ latest fundraising effort for SECE Mind.

Chris will spend 11 hours and five minutes playing tennis at Southend Lawn on Saturday, July 1.

And Judy – who is the mother of two-time Wimbledon champion Andy – has taken to social media to wish Chris well.

She said: “I just want to say a huge good luck to Chris who on Saturday, July 1st, is going to be playing tennis for 11 hours and five minutes at Southend Lawn Tennis Club.

“He’s actually playing the same amount of time as John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played all of those years ago at Wimbledon in 2010.

“He’s doing it to raise money for Mind, so I hope everyone who can gets behind him, supports him and sponsors him to raise funds for an incredibly-worthy cause.

“What a great idea.”

 

 

Chris will take to the court 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 while Ryan Peniston, who played at Wimbledon last year, will also support the event.

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!”

To sponsor Chris click here