Southend United Manager Phil Brown launches HARP’s Christmas Appeal

Southend United’s Manager, Phil Brown, has taken time out of his busy Christmas schedule to record a radio appeal for a cause that is close to his heart. He has chosen to promote local homeless charity, HARP, in an appeal that will be featured on Radio Essex in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

This year, HARP are asking people to donate £10 to help buy a local homeless person a Christmas meal and provide support to them throughout the Christmas period and beyond, helping them to get back on their feet.

Mr Brown, said:

“I chose to support HARP with their Christmas Appeal this year because we all know people who have fallen on hard times. I know how lucky I am. What made me Southend United manager? What made me a successful football manager or a successful football player? If it went the other way, I could have been like the guy that’s on the street homeless.

“I think it’s awful that, in this day and age, there’s not enough done to help these people and get them up and running again. This radio appeal is a small donation from me. I hope that it encourages people to get out their phones and donate to HARP.”

HARP’s Chief Executive, Gill Garwood, added:

“We would like to say a massive thank you to Phil Brown for taking the time to record this year’s radio appeal. Christmas is a special time of year for everyone, and it's important to us at HARP. Whilst most people are at home with their families and enjoying a much needed break, for those living on the streets Christmas can be a very lonely time of year. Many rough sleepers can feel isolated and at risk, in what should be a safe and happy season. This is why we need your help.”

You can donate to HARP’s Christmas Appeal by texting XMAS09 £10 to 70070, or visit www.harpsouthend.org.uk to make a regular donation or larger one-off donation.