Footballer gives firefighters a hand

IPSWICH Town's Macedonian midfielder Velice Sumulikoski has given a helping hand to Suffolk's firefighters.

The Blues ace joined four firefighters in Ipswich to help them raise funds for equipment and training for colleagues in his home country.

For more than ten years, the humanitarian charity Operation Florian has helped fire and rescue services in post-conflict countries around the world, with particular focus on the Balkan states.

And Ipswich Town's recent signing of the Macedonian international provided a natural link between the club and local fundraisers, with both club and player keen to support the charity.

Firefighters Sean Byrne, from Brandon, Jon Cook, based in Ipswich, Martin Burglin, from the Clifton Road station in Lowestoft and Woodbridge's Adrian Mason have joined a national team of about 30 fire and rescue staff who have volunteered to raise money and support the project.

Crew members across the UK are trying to raise about £50,000 to buy and equip four fire engines which will be driven across Europe to Macedonia.

Some of the volunteers will then stay in Macedonia for an extra two weeks to train professional and volunteer firefighters.

Ipswich Town have pledged their support by agreeing to put on the next charity event - a fashion show to be held in April.

Organisers Jon Cook and Jaime Milton said they were delighted to have such high profile support.

“The link with Ipswich Town is a fantastic boost for Operation Florian and I am certain it will help to make our next event a great success.

“It's fantastic to be able to make the most of the opportunities presented by Ipswich Town and further the links the club already has with local and international communities."

Anyone wanting to contribute to Operation Florian or find out more should visit www.operationflorian.com.