IPSWICH: A charity project to build a sanctuary for women battling addiction is to receive a grant from a fund created in the wake of the Ipswich murders.

The retreat is being built on farmland north of Ipswich by Christian charity Talitha Koum.

Once complete, the service will provide help and support to 12 women at a time, offering programmes to help them overcome their addiction.

Somebody’s Daugther was set up by the Star and Ipswich Borough Council in the wake of the murders of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Paula Clennell, Anneli Alderton and Annette Nicholls in late 2006.

Some of the money raised through donations from readers has been earmarked to help turn the dream of building the Talitha Koum facility into a reality.

The first �5,000 grant has been agreed – it will go towards flooring in the two accommodation blocks.

It comes as the charity launches a new initiative, Build TK 12, with partners ISG, a building firm.

The plan is to give students at various colleges valuable work experience opportunities in various areas as the project takes shape.

John Cobbold, chief executive of Talitha Koum, said support from Somebody’s Daughter will make a big difference.

“If we can get the flooring down it will pave the way for the students to come in to get working in the rest of the building,” he said.

“It is not just the girls who will benefit from this – the initiative will give an opportunity for young people to gain valuable practical building experience, giving them on site experience.”

n Have you been affected by addiction? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk