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

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Attwells Solicitors

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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."

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Attwells Solicitors

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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