A MILLION thanks to the people of Ipswich.That was the heartfelt message today from an Ipswich mother whose husband was killed in the July 7 terrorist bombings in London last year.

A MILLION thanks to the people of Ipswich.

That was the heartfelt message today from an Ipswich mother whose husband was killed in the July 7 terrorist bombings in London last year.

Louise Gray wrote to The Evening Star to thank people for their support and donations to help her and her two children Adam, 12, and Ruby, eight.

Her letter was headed to the paper and “The people of Ipswich.”

She said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Ipswich for the support shown to me and my children - Adam and Ruby.

“It has been a very emotional and hard year for us but whenever I needed to ask for help, from all areas, even people who did not know us have bent over backwards to assist in anyway they can.

“From my children's schools, agencies, my employers to strangers, friends and family, everyone has been a great support.”

Forty one-year-old Richard was on a tube from Liverpool Street heading towards Aldgate to his work as a tax manager in Pall Mall when suicide bomber Shehzad Tanwer detonated explosives on the Circle Line train killing seven on board.

More than 770 people were injured on July 7 2005 and bombs also exploded on tubes at Edgware Road between King's Cross and Russell Square and on a bus in Tavistock Square.

A fund was set up by The Evening Star and more than £2,700 was handed out to the family shortly after the first anniversary of Richard's death.

Mrs Gray, of Irlam Road, Ipswich, said: “I would especially like to thank all of you who kindly donated to the Ipswich Memorial Fund.

“The money we have received will be split between Adam and Ruby and put in their trust funds which will enable them to attend college when they are older.”

She also thanked The Star for allowing the family to greave and giving them space through the tragic events of the last year.

She added: “Lastly I would like to thank the reporters from the Evening Star who have treated us with respect and allowed me to speak when I was able to and ready rather than hounding us like other news agencies.”

Her letter ended with the words “Again, a million thanks.”

N Do you need to make a big thank you? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk