A RETIRED police officer is set to race across 11 countries in just five days as he takes part in fundraising event that will see him drive across Europe.

Mark Philips, 59, from Eastwood, is taking part in a Screwball Rally event that will send him on a whistle stop tour of Europe to raise much-needed funds for homeless people and struggling families in Southend.

Mark and his team mates are set to head off tomorrow to kickstart the race and their fundraising mission.

He is donating all sponsorship money to The One Love Project, a Southend charity which provides thousands of hot meals each year, as well as clothes, shower facilities and emotional support.

Mark is a regular volunteer at the charity’s food bank.

He said: “Three friends and I - the Souper Chargers team - will be clocking up thousands of miles in a rather battered old Rover to visit as many European countries as possible in a set time.

“The journey will take in autobahns, mountain passes, busy cities, and tiny villages. We just hope the motor doesn’t break down - none of us are mechanics.”

Their route will take in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg and Monaco. Around 80 teams are taking part to raise money for different worthy causes.

The Southend charity, based at its Hollybrook site in Carnarvon Close, offers a range of weekly services. On Mondays it offers meals, drinks and support for rough sleepers and vulnerable adults, and every Thursday it has sessions for adults only as well as sessions for adults with children. It also offers a family food bank and mini-market for food and clothing.

Zoey Smith, trustee at the charity, said the team is recording an increase in the need in the city and they expect it to get worse with the cost of living crisis.

She said: “We are seeing more and more people who are in genuine need, and this is likely to increase this autumn due to the cost of living crisis. We are grateful to Mark and all our volunteers and supporters.”

Mr Philips has launched an online fundraising page to donate and or sponsor him see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-philips-2.