AN appeal launched in memory of five Ipswich women who were killed in December has netted a cash boost courtesy of renewed East Anglian football rivalries.
AN appeal launched in memory of five Ipswich women who were killed last year has netted a cash boost courtesy of renewed East Anglian football rivalries.
The Somebody's Daughter memorial fund is today nearly £800 better off thanks to generous staff from train operator One.
Rail crews from Ipswich took on their counterparts from Norwich in an annual grudge match which raises cash for a different charity each year.
And although the team from up the A140 triumphed 3-1, the real winner was The Evening Star's appeal.
Kelvin Higgins, senior driver at Ipswich, said: “We were all touched by what happened to the girls so Somebody's Daughter seemed like the right charity to choose.
“We all know each other but it was still a hard game, with tackles flying in.
“Unfortunately, we lost but hopefully the real derby in a couple of weeks' time will go Ipswich's way.”
The final sum raised totalled £789.95.
The match, this year held at the Bourne Vale Club in Maidenhall, has been staged since 1993, with the sides playing for the Barry Ketteridge Memorial Trophy.
The Somebody's Daughter Memorial Fund was launched in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council in a bid to stem the numbers walking in the same desperate footsteps as those who have died.
With a mandate of helping vulnerable young people in Ipswich, the appeal's ultimate goal is to raise enough money to open a refuge where those embroiled in prostitution and drugs can seek support and guidance.
Donations to the memorial fund can be made online at www.eveningstar.co.uk, in person at Ipswich Borough Council's customer service centre in the Town Hall, by calling 01473 433777, or by sending a 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.
If you would like to collect for the appeal, call reporter Josh Warwick on 01473 324840 or e-mail josh.warwick@eveningstar.co.uk
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