LETTERS have today been sent to several major Ipswich businesses appealing for support to help boost the Evening Star's fund launched in the wake of the red light killings.

LETTERS have today been sent to several major Ipswich businesses appealing for support to help boost The Evening Star's fund launched in the wake of the red light killings.

The Somebody's Daughter memorial fund was created in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council with a mandate of supporting vulnerable young people in Ipswich.

With several thousand pounds already banked, the town's business community is today being challenged to offer support in our bid to prevent more young people from walking in the footsteps of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls.

Already, Ipswich Hospital, Suffolk Police, Sainsbury's, The Wolsey Theatre, Tesco and a number of small businesses have come forward to offer their support.

Now, letters have been sent to companies including Axa, Willis, E-On, Debenhams and the Post Office asking what they can do to help.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “The importance of this appeal does not need to be underlined. Five young women have lost their lives, five families have been devastated.

“Every large Ipswich business employs women of a similar age to Gemma, Tania, Anneli, Paula and Annette, so that is why we are calling on them to contribute.

“Together, with everybody's help, we can make a real difference in changing the lives of vulnerable youngsters in our town.”

Donations to the Somebody's Daughter memorial fund can be made in a variety of ways.

On line by visiting www.eveningstar.co.uk/daughter

In person at Ipswich Borough Council's customer service centre in the Town Hall

Over the phone by calling 01473 433777

By cheque, made payable to Somebody's Daughter Memorial Fund, to PO Box 772, Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2DE.