A FOOTBALL match is being organised to raise funds for former Southend United striker James Walker.

Walker now lives in a care home in Southend after suffering a cardiac arrest in February 2019.

And the Southend United Ex Players Association are now putting a game on to help the 35-year-old.

A statement from the group, which is also part of the Shrimpers Trust said: “James is a member of the Southend United Ex Players Association.

“As well as creating new memories by arranging player reunions at the heart of what SUEPA is all about is simply care.

“We care about all players that once wore our club’s shirt with pride.

“And we care about what happened to James and want to do something to help.”

Walker scored eight goals in 54 games for Blues between 2008 and 2010 but, while playing semi-professionally, he also worked as a PE teacher.

And it was in that role he suffered a cardiac arrest. “James was demonstrating a somersault to his class when he suffered a massive cardiac arrest which, for a period, stopped all blood flow to his brain,” said a SUEPA spokesman.

“James was in a coma for 15 days and it was touch and go as to whether he would survive.

“But when he came round he it was evident that what had happened had left him with both physical and mental impairments.

“Though James can now walk and move about freely he cannot look after himself, and lives in a 24 hour care home in Southend.

“All food and drink is taken via a stent in his stomach.

“ James’s mum Dawn helps him with some rehabilitation, and he receives limited therapy session help from the authorities.

“But Dawn wants him to receive more regular such help to encourage James to move forward.

“Additional therapy sessions cost, and our appeal aims to raise funds to help with that cost.”

SUEPA will be holding a benefit match on Sunday May 28 at a stadium in south-Essex which has yet to be confirmed.

The game will see a side made up of former Southend United players, including Steve Tilson and Lee Barnard, taking on charity team Farke Knights.

For more details email suepassoc@gmail.com or click here