MARK Wright says Charlie Edinburgh is making his dad proud.

Justin Edinburgh, who came through the ranks at Southend United and begun his managerial career at Billericay Town, passed away at the age of 49 last month.

And Wright, a former star on the hit TV show TOWIE, admits that standing alongside Charlie for the minute’s applause in remembrance of the Basildon-born Justin before his All-Stars XI took on Billericay on Sunday was difficult.

Wright said: “It was very emotional.

“Charlie is being so strong and doing everything he can to turn such a terrible negative and a terribly sad time into a positive by helping people.

“When his dad passed away, Charlie said to me that he has two choices.

“He said that he could sink or swim and a lot of people will sink because he has lost his dad, who was his best friend in the world.

“But he is choosing to swim and make him proud. That’s what he is doing.”

All of the proceeds, including the match officials’ fees, from the clash between Billericay and Wright’s All-Stars XI went to the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation.

And, despite the 3-1 defeat, Wright was pleased to be involved in the charity event.

“It was really good,” added Wright, who started his professional career at Southend United before moving into the entertainment industry.

“It’s always good to get back out on the pitch.When you quit football, that is what you miss along with the banter and camaraderie.”