THE Flyers Southend running group planned a surprise birthday treat for their founder member Keith Passingham by organising for him to lead the teams out at Southend United on Saturday.

Shrimpers season ticket holder Passingham set up the group after successfully battling against bowel cancer which he was diagnosed with back in 2000.

Since then he has inspired and encouraged huge numbers of local runners and the Flyers now boast close to 300 members.

They all hold the Rayleigh based Passingham in very high regard.

And Flyers spokesman Alex Thornton revealed the group therefore decided to hold a whip round to help Passingham celebrate his 63rd birthday which was last Sunday.

“We wanted to mark Keith's birthday as hundreds of people over the years have benefited from his encouragement and advice as the founder member of Flyers Southend Running Club,” said Thornton.

“He’s now also a key volunteer at our new beginners group The Starting Line.

“He's an incredibly humble, modest man who's always there to help others, and his words of wisdom have helped so many to get fit and healthy.

“When the idea to start a collection was first mooted, people were falling over themselves to contribute!

“As a member of the Flyers put it, it's a mark of the man that so many wanted to be part of it."

Southend parkrun runners and members of the newly formed Starting Line group also contributed to allow Passingham to carry the match ball out with the teams ahead of Southend United’s 2-1 defeat to Chester in the first round of the FA Cup.

And he thoroughly enjoyed the experience but not the result.

“It was a fantastic surprise and it left with me some memories I will always remember,” said Passingham.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped to organise it.

“It was just a shame about the result!”