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Community rallies behind Ipswich mum's hospital toy appeal in daughter's memory

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A local construction company is calling on the local community to support a mother's mission to bring Christmas joy to children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The appeal, which honours the memory of Eva Tucker, has been growing since 2018.

Why it matters: The initiative brings together local businesses and residents to support families facing difficult times during the festive period while creating a lasting legacy for Eva Tucker, who received care at the hospital in 2017.

Danielle Tucker
Danielle TuckerDanielle Tucker

The big picture: Local construction firm SEH French is spearheading collections at their White House Road office, aiming to make this year's drive "the biggest ever" following reduced support in 2023.

What they're saying: "If I can give one child something to smile about this Christmas then it is all worth it," says Danielle Tucker, who established the Eva Tucker Brighter Future Fund after experiencing first-hand the impact of donated presents during her own time at the hospital.

"We spent time at the hospital over Christmas and experienced the magic and smiles on everyone's faces when people came to donate presents," she adds. "It isn't just presents you're giving, it's hope and light for people during such a hard time."

The details: The appeal is seeking donations, including:

  • Dolls houses

  • Card games

  • Figurines

  • Plastic animals

  • Blankets

  • Books

  • Night lights

Between the lines: Hospital policy prohibits the acceptance of second-hand items. However, monetary donations can be made through dedicated JustGiving pages for the Christmas appeal and the Eva Tucker Brighter Future Fund.

Christmas Toy Appeal in 2022
Christmas Toy Appeal in 2022Danielle Tucker

How to help:

  • Drop off new toys at SEH French, 30 White House Road, Ipswich, before 7 December

  • Donate online via the crowdfunding pages

The bottom line: "We do lots for charity throughout the year, but this one really is something special that the entire team gets behind," says Heather Bryan from SEH French. " We all want to do our bit in trying to spread some smiles to children and their families."

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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