To date a number of local businesses have also pledged their support for the event including ECOM UK Limited, Just Sport, Outstanding Branding, SBC Leisure, Seetec Group and T-Scape. In addition Southend United Football Club is adding their backing to this charity event.

Shrimpers Trust Chairman Paul FitzGerald who himself is making the trek said 'We are very appreciative of the sponsorship and help we have received so far from local businesses and will be continuing to work at getting other companies on board. The 'Journey to the Gills' team is in addition looking for the Southend United supporter community as a whole to give their backing to the event with any sponsorship pledge that anyone can make no matter how small being very welcome. It really is a case of every little helps'.

Monies raised by the event will be split 50/50 between the Trust and Little Havens Hospice.

Shrimpers Trust Junior Top Traveler and Junior Blue Callum Turp, age 13, who is also one of the walkers, added, 'I usually travel to away games on the Shrimpers Trust coach but am looking forward to this season walking to the Gillingham game. It's going to be hard work, but as we will be raising money for such a worthwhile cause it will all be worthwhile'.

In the run up to the walk Callum and his fellow walkers will have sponsorship forms available, so please do take the opportunity to support the team by making a donation or if you wish you can download a sponsorship form by clicking here  and return it to the address on the form with your donation.

Alternatively you can visit the Journey to the Gills JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/journeytothegills

In anticipation the Shrimpers Trust would like to thank everyone for their support.