Shrimpers fans fundraise to remember ex skipper Barker
FUNDRAISING is underway to honour former Southend United skipper Chris Barker at Roots Hall.
Chris tragically took his own life at the start of 2020.
And supporter groups are now rallying together to fund a ‘Bench for Barks’ with the aim of helping anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.
A spokesperson for the fundraising campaign explained: “With the support of his family, in Chris’s memory, and with the aim of making a real positive difference, the Southend United ex-Players Association (SUEPA)/the Shrimpers Trust have launched a ‘Bench for Barks’ campaign.
“The aim is to raise monies to site at least one very special bench at Roots Hall where it will be accessible 24/7.
“The benches are provided by the charity ‘Legend on the Bench’ whose ambassadors include Micky Hazard and World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles.
“A bench will not only be a fitting tribute to Chris but it will also be a place where, if someone ever feels alone, they can use it as a source for information.
“The benches are fitted with integral lighting, so they are a beam of light for those in crisis at night.”
Chris made 143 appearances for the Shrimpers between 2010 and 2013 and skippered the side for the Football League Trophy final against Crewe Alexandra at Wembley in April 2013.
The former centre-back also lined up for Barnsley, Cardiff City, Stoke City, Colchester United, QPR, Plymouth Argyle and Aldershot Town during a career which saw him play more than 600 matches.
Barker was also embarking on a coaching career with Forest Green Rovers and a match in his memory, played at Roots Hall in May 2022, raised £23,000 for South East and Central Essex Mind.
But plans for a permanent memorial are now in place and, if successful, it will make the Shrimpers the first football club in the country to team up with ‘Legend on the Bench.’
The spokesperson added: “Though many of these benches have now been installed across the UK, we are proud to say that our club will be the first football club to have a bench at its stadium and we hope to have more than one.
“This is a big joint effort – SUEPA/the Shrimpers Trust is working with ourselves, the Echo, Shrimperzone, and Andy’s Man Club to seek to make this campaign a success, which will also include a soon-to-be-announced fundraising quiz.
To make a donation click here.
More than £3,600 has already been donated by supporters.
