A GROUP of Southend United fans braved wet and windy weather during a 120-mile walk to raise cash for charity. The nine season ticket holders, led by Bob Mays, plan to hand deliver the match ball for Blues’ away match clash with Oxford United tomorrow.

The group has pledged to raise £5,000 for troops’ charity Help for Heroes during the four-day trek. They received the ball from Southend mayor David Norman and Blues’ chairman Ron Martin as they left Roots Hall on Wednesday.

Mr Mays, 55, of Long Ridings, Basildon, served with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps for 14 years before 23 years as a Met Police officer.

He said: “It is difficult walking in constant rain, but we are doing it all for a good cause.

“We had lots of car drivers beeping and waving at us as we walked through Essex.

“ One woman even got out of her car to give us £10.

“Everyone is walking strong and we are ready for this challenge, but looking forward to when it is over.

“We spent six months preparing by walking up to 15 miles a day. We have blown our £5,000 target out of the window. We have already raised £8,000, so I am confident we will reach £10,000.”

The team have been walking up to 30 gruelling miles a day to reach Oxford’s ground United in time for the match.

During the challenge, they met yeoman warders, who guard the Tower of London, as well as visiting soldiers at Wellington Barracks.