A LOCAL footballing legend will tackle the London Marathon this weekend to raise money for a new hospice which will eventually care for thousands of people across South East Essex.

Former Southend United skipper Adam Barrett, 39, will be taking on the iconic marathon route through London on Sunday, alongside over 40,000 other runners, raising money for Havens Hospices and the new Fair Havens they are building opposite Priory Park in Prittlewell.

He will be joining more than 100 members of Team Havens on the start line and is fundraising to help the charity get closer to securing the future of hospice care for the local area.

Barrett, who made 354 appearances for Blues, decided to run for the charity’s new hospice after experiencing the care and support they provide when they looked after his mum, June, in 2017.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be running it for Havens.

“I’ve been an ambassador for Little Havens for a while now and I’ve raised money for them in the past, but I’ve seen first-hand what Fair Havens do because they were absolutely fantastic with my mum.

“Unfortunately, she lost her brave battle with PSP disease in November 2017, but Havens were just amazing with my mum and the whole family, especially my dad. He was my mum’s carer for the last seven or eight years and he was amazing.

“The care and support Havens gave us all was so vital. I can’t imagine what we would do if we hadn’t had them to turn to, so I’m really pleased that I am able to fundraise to help them build a new hospice which will mean twice as many adults and families will get that support at such a difficult time. It’s the best way I can think of to say thank you.”

To sponsor Barrett visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamBarrett10