KRIS Knowles has gone the extra mile in his support for Southend United.

The 41-year-old ran to Saturday’s game with Tranmere Rovers at Roots Hall from his home in Grays to raise funds for Havens Hospices.

And Knowles was happy to complete the journey as part of his ‘Couch 2 Marathon’ programme.

“I’m still on such a high about it all and it’s only really started to sink in a few days after,” said Knowles.

“It was really hard as the furthest I had run before the weekend was 13 miles and this was just a little over 20 so it was tough towards the end.

“My legs felt like led and when I got to the Palace Theatre I didn’t think I could go on.

“But I had a few beeps from cars going past and it helped to keep me going.”

Knowles had run a 5k and 10k race before Saturday’s event and will also be competing in the London Marathon in April for Havens.

“I came up with the idea of ‘Couch 2 Marathon’ when I was feeling unfit and overweight and I’m three quarters of the way there now,” said Knowles.

“I had family and friends waiting at Roots Hall for me when I arrived and 14 of us watched the game together in the Centre Circle Lounge.

“Southend’s my club and it was just really special.

“I met David Crown and Sammy the Shrimp even followed me on Twitter!

“I’m really grateful for what everyone did to help and for the club for allowing me to go pitchside with my girls so we could do a bucket collection for Havens.”

Knowles received more than £100 in online donations at the weekend and was happy to see the Shrimpers avoid defeat as they were involved in a goalless stalemate with Tranmere.

And Knowles also got to present Blues midfielder Sam Mantom with his goal of the month award.

“It was nice for the club to ask me to do that and Sam actually told me to keep the champagne, which was nice as well,” said Knowles.

“It was a brilliant day all round and I’m still buzzing about it now.

“But, although we didn’t lose, I’ll stick to driving to games from now on and I certainly won’t be running to Accrington Stanley on Saturday!”

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kris-knowles