December 2006 was one of the darkest months in the history of Ipswich.
The focus of the nation was on our community for tragic reasons as one by one the bodies of five young women were found in isolated spots skirting the town.
The victims all had three things in common.
Firstly, they had fallen prey to the drug pushers who for years have been prowling our town at night and, secondly, as a result of their habit these women had turned in desperation to prostitution.
The third thing was that every one of these women had in common was that each one of them had come from loving families and their lives would have taken very different paths but for a simple twist of fate.
These were bright young women, some were mothers themselves, others had achieved at school and were at one point going on to further education.
One of the most remarkable aspects to emerge from these tragic events is that we as a town did not judge Gemma Adams, Annette Nicholls, Anneli Alderton, Tania Nicol and Paula Clennell for the lives they ultimately led, but that each one was somebody's daughter.
This compassionate and non-judgmental stance was widely recognised as our town became the focus of much of the national and international media coverage.
It also inspired the Evening Star's and Ipswich Borough Council's Somebody's Daughter Memorial Fund, which is a registered charity.
With the help of the families affected, our aim is to create a lasting legacy to those who have lost their lives by helping vulnerable young people in Ipswich.
The ultimate aim is to establish a safe house and rehabilitation centre in the town for young women who have developed drug habits and who desperately want to find a way out.
If we attract sufficient funds we also would like to fulfil the wishes of the victims' families and establish an education programme that warns young people about the dangers of experimenting with drugs.
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