EXPECT battle stations in former Town player Geoff Hammond's household now that he's the proud owner of a brand new motor.The father-in-law of England goalie Richard Wright thought it was a wind-up when he was told he scooped a £6,500 Peugeot 106 in a grand draw.

By Amanda Cresswell

EXPECT battle stations in former Town player Geoff Hammond's household now that he's the proud owner of a brand new motor.

The father-in-law of England goalkeeper Richard Wright thought it was a wind-up when he was told he scooped a £6,500 Peugeot 106 in a grand draw.

He was delighted when he was handed the keys to the plush new vehicle donated by Fork Rent Plc of Felixstowe Road.

But there won't be an easy ride in store yet, as both his sons have their eyes set on the car including 18-year-old Luke who is taking driving lessons.

Geoff, 52, said: "I can't give it to one without the other so I don't know yet, but was thinking of having it as a family car so everybody can use it."

Geoff, 52, of Goodwood Close, Ipswich, bought the winning £10 draw ticket at a grand auction night, supported by The Evening Star, in aid of former speedway star Lol Hare.

The speedway star was paralysed from the waist down in a crash at Newport, Gwent in April.

It is the first time Geoff has won a prize.

He left Town as George Burley – sacked from the manager's job last week - joined as a player, and said: "I am quite sad for him, but that's football today. One minute he is manager of the year and the next minute they sack him."

The auction night at The County Hotel, Copdock, saw 300 family and friends get together to show how much they cared for the hero who had won their hearts.

Richard Wright backed the evening, buying draw tickets, organising a table on the night, and Town memorabilia.

He said: "When things like that happen you rally together. People have been fantastic. It can only help Lol."

Guy Nichols, of Fork Rent Plc, said: "We are particularly poor in this country at looking after people who end up with these serious injuries like Lol.

"I have known him a number of years, he's a local fella and thought what could we give? Everybody uses a car. It is valued by everyone."

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Donations to the Lol Hare Fund can be sent to Geraldine Thompson, Editor's Secretary, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.