IPSWICH Town star David Wright has raised nearly £4,000 for the region's terminally ill youngsters and their families.The defender collected sporting memorabilia to auction in aid of the East Anglia's Children's Hospice (EACH).

IPSWICH Town star David Wright has raised nearly £4,000 for the region's terminally ill youngsters and their families.

The defender collected sporting memorabilia to auction in aid of the East Anglia's Children's Hospice (EACH).

Items including football boots worn by Jon Walters when he scored his hat-trick against Bristol City earlier this season and a Liverpool Champions' League shirt, framed and signed by Anfield striker and Dutch international, Dirk Kuyt.

Wright said: “I visited the children's hospice in Ipswich last Christmas and immediately knew that I wanted to use the collection of memorabilia that I have accumulated to help raise funds for them.

“The Club kindly agreed that I could use the golf day and end of season dinner to hold auctions and we managed to raise almost £4,000.”

Wright handed the cheque to Fran Theobold, from Colchester, whose nine-year-old daughter Tianna met the right-back at Christmas and who sadly died earlier this year.

Her 11-year-old son, Jay, is also terminally ill and uses the centre in Walker Close, Ipswich.

She said: “It's a complete necessity for families such as ours because it enables us all to function. There is great empathy and support and we couldn't be without them.

“Something like 80% of their money comes from donations so it's incredibly important that people continue to fundraise. Its about quality rather than quantity of life and without support it can't be achieved.”

If you would like to support EACH this year, take part in Ride for Life - the charity's annual sponsored cycle rides and walks in Rendlesham Forest on Sunday June 15.

For more information call 01953 715559 or visit www.each.org.uk/rideforlife .