Premier boost to charity’s fight for survival

IPSWICH: He is taking on a mammoth challenge, travelling the length and breadth of the country, to raise money to help secure the future of a vital Ipswich charity.

Today Hamish Daille is in training, notching up the miles, getting ready to tackle 800 miles of terrain as well as the three highest peaks in the UK on foot - all to r help ensure Iceni, based in Foundation Street, survives.

The 42-year-old is urging others to think about what they can do to help in the fight to raise the �320,000 needed to secure Iceni’s life-saving work is not lost from the town.

This week he picked up a training bike from Elmy Cycles in St Helen’s Street to help him get in shape ahead of the tough challenge.

He is hoping to set off in March and his journey will see him take on some of the toughest terrain in Britain.

And to top it off, he is planning to stop off to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, en route to his destination.

Mr Daille said: “I feel everyone could do something to help save this vital treatment centre.

“If you, your family or anyone you know and love has ever been affected by substance misuse or abuse then you will understand how important Iceni is.

“If you are unable to offer financial assistance to this respected local charity then why not come up with your own wonderful and wacky way of raising some money for them?

“I am so passionate about helping them, everything, no matter how little helps.”

And the Save Iceni, Save Lives campaign received a premier boost last night after footballing giants Arsenal visited Portman Road for the first-leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

Dedicating the match to the charity, Ipswich Town have pledged their support to the campaign to secure the future of the vital drugs rehabilitation charity.

The team took to the pitch for their warm-up wearing Iceni-branded shirts and volunteers were on hand to collect loose change from fans.

Co-founder of Iceni, Brian Tobin, said: “Seeing the players in their Iceni shirts was fantastic - and the result should hopefully put a few more quid on their auction value.

“The club are fully backing the campaign and all the directors and backroom staff hope we get where we need to be.

“Huge thanks go to Simon Clegg and the club. Our partnership is a great example of what a community club Ipswich Town is. Events like this can only help.”

If you would like to support Mr Daille and sponsor his challenge call him on 07521172543 or e-mail greenhikesuffolk@yahoo.co.uk.

n Tell us your experiences of Iceni’s vital work. Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or alernatively you can e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.