FOOTBALL fans from across Suffolk are just four days away from being able to support their team and raise funds for the Somebody's Daughter appeal.Wear your football shirt to work day is on Friday, and from the offices to Ipswich to the corridors of power at Westminster supporters have been getting in training.

Paul Geater

FOOTBALL fans from across Suffolk are just four days away from being able to support their team and raise funds for the Somebody's Daughter appeal.

Wear your football shirt to work day is on Friday, and from the offices to Ipswich to the corridors of power at Westminster supporters have been getting in training.

Somebody's Daughter trustee and Ipswich Labour MP Chris Mole wore a Town shirt - albeit briefly - during work in the House of Commons last week, including a photo-opportunity with Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell.

Mr Mole will be working in his constituency on Friday, and feels the day gives people the ideal way of supporting the charity and having a bit of fun on the day before the big East Anglian “Old Farm” derby at Portman Road.

People are being asked to pay £1 for the privilege of wearing their football shirt to work on that day - although if your shirt happens to be yellow with a green badge a £2 fee might be more appropriate for the fun you will give your colleagues!

All the money raised will be given to the Somebody's Daughter appeal which is raising money to open a sanctuary to help young people caught up in the world of drugs and prostitution in Ipswich.

Mr Mole is the second trustee of Somebody's Daughter to model his football shirt - Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks wore his shirt to work last month.

The Ipswich MP said the day should give a welcome boost to the campaign, both in fund-raising terms and in raising its profile in workplaces across the area.

“It is a bit of fun at the end of the working week, especially with so many people looking forward to the local derby.

“But it will also bring the importance of Somebody's Daughter home to people - it is good to raise the profile of the appeal and for people to be discussing what we are trying to do in Ipswich.”

Businesses across the town have agreed that their staff can take part in the special day on Friday when collars and ties will be put to one side as offices turn (mainly) blue.