Top prize for footie fans up for grabs

IPSWICH Town are helping to turn dreams into reality at this year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball - with an amazing auction prize. Funds raised from the spectacular June evening will help transform the lives of some very special children.

By Jessica Nicholls

IPSWICH Town are helping to turn dreams into reality at this year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball - with an amazing auction prize.

Funds raised from the spectacular June evening will help transform the lives of some very special children. JESSICA NICHOLLS reports.

IMAGINE the excitement…

You're in the dressing room at Portman Road, ready to take to the field for one of the biggest matches of your footballing life.

There's a buzz of anticipation in the air, as there is in the opposition dressing room.

The ref is ready, the powerhouse tannoy music is cranking up the tension. The crowd is awaiting the gladiators to emerge.

This is the arena of dreams, where the likes of Wark, Brazil and Mills have captivated the True Blue hoardes.

And it could all be yours.

Ipswich Town has teamed up with The Evening Star to offer a magical auction prize for lucky people to bid for the privilege of playing at Portman Road.

Terry Baxter spokesman for Ipswich Town football club said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for a really exciting day.

"It's a unique chance for you to live your dream and achieve the ambition of scoring a goal at Ipswich Town's football ground."

That chance is now within the grasp of the highest bidder whose team will then get to play their match at the end of the 2005 season.

All the money raised from the bids will go into the Evening Star's Press Ball Fund, helping disabled adults and youngsters around the county.

During the last few years the annual Press Ball has raised more than £160,000 for the Disability Care Enterprise, a Suffolk charity which buys equipment to enhance the lives of disabled youngsters and adults.

Every year around £20,000 gets raised on the night and this year we want to make it our best yet - and this football match could be one step to doing just that.

Once the pitch is yours, the world is your oyster, get special kits and even names and numbers put on the shirts to make it a great day for everyone to remember.

This years ball is set to be a magical affair with the theme of Starry Potter. A huge auction will be held with prizes donated from businesses around the county.

There will also be a raffle, a meal and music and dancing to make the evening go with a swing and raise as much money as possible for the cause.

Place your bid by writing to Press Ball Football Bids, c/o Geraldine Thompson, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.

nTickets for the ball are selling out fast, but there are so many other ways to get involved.

The Press Ball Fund is there for the whole community to get fundraising.

Let us know about your fundraising events and we can publicise them so maximum sponsorship can be gained.

Every penny counts so don't forget to give the Evening Star Newsdesk a call on 01473 324788 and let them know what you are doing.

Donations can also be made out to Disability Care Enterprise and sent c/o Geraldine Thompson, Editor's Secretary, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.