TODAY marks a significant development in the crucial bid to end the misery caused by the evils of drugs and prostitution. The Somebody's Daughter campaign is in line to receive a huge cash boost after The Evening Star announced the charity as the beneficiary of its 2007 Christmas appeal.

TODAY marks a significant development in the crucial bid to end the misery caused by the evils of drugs and prostitution.

The Somebody's Daughter campaign is in line to receive a huge cash boost after The Evening Star announced the charity as the beneficiary of its 2007 Christmas appeal.

In a move which will further cement Somebody's Daughter in the hearts and minds of a united community, thousands of pounds are expected to be added to the already spiralling fund pot.

Ipswich Town has also thrown its weight behind the appeal, after today announcing it had been selected as one of only four worthy causes the club will back during the 2007/2008 season.

Launched by Ipswich Borough Council and The Evening Star after last winter's red-light killings, Somebody's Daughter has a mandate of offering a second chance to the most vulnerable young people.

The fund will eventually pay for a safe house where those in need can receive support and guidance from welfare officers in their efforts to break free from substance misuse and vice.

It will also deliver a long-term programme of support and education aimed at reducing the number of street prostitutes in Ipswich.

Borough leader and trustee, Liz Harsant, revealed that significant progress was being made, and said the council was in discussions with partner agencies to source a suitable property.

To make the dream a reality, the determined board of trustees, including Blues chairman David Sheepshanks and Ipswich MP Chris Mole, has set a £100,000 target, to be raised before the close of next year.

Leading figures from the county's major businesses were today set to offer their support to the appeal at a special briefing at Ipswich Town's Galleria.

Meanwhile, the generosity of those who have dug deep and donated to the fund is already being felt.

A grant of £1,000 has been given to the Ipswich Street Prostitution Strategy group to furnish a temporary home for those seeking a way out of prostitution.

Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “The prostitution strategy is already reaping huge reward, but more is to be done to provide a way out of the misery to those in need.”

Don't miss our series of Somebody's Daughter features starting on Tuesday.

What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Weblink: www.somebodysdaughter.co.uk

n. see edblog at www.eveningstar.co.uk

Why we're fighting for Somebody's Daughter:

The Somebody's Daughter memorial fund was launched in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council in the wake of the killings of five women in Suffolk.

The bodies of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Annette Nicholls and Paula Clennell were found in remote rural locations last December.

All had worked in the sex trade and all had drug habits.

As a legacy to the five women, and in a bid to prevent others from walking in their same desperate footsteps, The Somebody's Daughter appeal was given a mandate of helping vulnerable young people in Ipswich.

The ultimate goal is to raise enough money to open a safe house where those embroiled in prostitution and drugs can seek support and guidance.

Already, generous individuals and businesses have donated more than £30,000.

How YOU can make a difference:

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.

Alternatively, Somebody's Daughter pin lapels can be bought for £1. Call 01473 324840 or visit the Star's Lower Brook Street offices to buy yours.