Fundraisers boost festive heart appeal

Jo Thewlis

IPSWICH: If festive shopping has left you flagging, spare a thought for the intrepid footballers who have raised around �5,000 to boost our Christmas Appeal.

A brave squad of 36 players battled through an epic 40 hour match in aid of the The Evening Star's Have a Heart Campaign, which wants to keep vital heart attack services in Ipswich.

As we ask readers to pledge their support for our drive for a new catheter laboratory at Ipswich Hospital, the boys have today pledged to donate the cash to our festive fund.

Ross Wishart, 27, who organised the match in Felixstowe back in October, said: “We wanted to do something to help raise awareness of The Evening Star appeal.

“The fact we have to leave Suffolk to get the best treatment for heart attack care is preposterous.”

Two squads of 18 players fought through blisters, exhaustion and injuries to complete almost two days of continuous play to snatch the World record for the longest football match.

This Christmas, we want your help to send a message to health bosses to demand a heart attack treatment centre in Ipswich.

Whether it is carol singing, collecting, making mince pies or just donating funds, every penny counts to bring emergency specialist heart care to the people of east Suffolk.

Mr Wishart survived on just four hours sleep throughout the marathon event.

“It was tough but we just had to keep going,” he said. “We knew people were depending on us.”

The brave players hope to present The Evening Star with a final cheque in the New Year.

Mr Wishart said: “This campaign needs to carry on. I feel shocked about the lack of facilities here.

“We need this centre as soon as possible.”

Have you raised money for our Christmas Appeal? Do you have a fund-raising event that needs coverage? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.