A GROUP of hardy Blues fans will be walking from the centre circle at Roots Hall to local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge to raise charity funds this morning.

Nine members of the Shrimpers Trust group will be joined by Echo reporter Chris Phillips for a 28 mile walk from the centre circle at Roots Hall to Dagenham’s Victoria Road ground.

The Stagger to the Daggers trek will raise money for the trust itself and for the stroke unit at Southend Hospital.

Setting off at 7am, the group hopes to arrive at the ground before the two teams meet at 7.45pm.

Reporter Chris Phillips said: “I’m training for the marathon at the moment and I’m upto about 13-14 miles, so I thought that I can walk 29 miles – but then I started talking to a few people and I’ve been warned that it’s going to be tough.

“I’ll be bringing plenty of Jelly Babies with me to help get enough energy to keep going.”

Through supporter membership and fund raising the Shrimpers Trust currently provides sponsorship to Southend United's youth department and has also helped raise money for specific items for the club.

To sponsor the group visit: www.justgiving.com/staggertothedaggers.