Ipswich Town fans raise £12,500 to help other supporters attend festive home fixtures

liam.apicella@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 13:46, 17 November 2021

| Updated: 13:47, 17 November 2021

Ipswich Town supporters have come together to raise funds for fans less financially fortunate than themselves in response to the recently-released #PackOutPR campaign.

The scheme – which the club announced late last week – offers followers of the Tractor Boys the chance to watch their team over the festive period in home fixtures against Sunderland (December 18), Wycombe Wanderers (December 29) and Lincoln City (January 1) for a combined cost of just £40, or £15 per match.

Speaking after the launch, Ipswich's CEO Mark Ashton revealed that the club are hoping to break the 28,000 attendance mark during those run of matches.

Supporters have come together to raise more than £12,000. Picture: Barry Goodwin

And the fans have certainly done their bit to help make that happen, having raised £12,500 to pay for tickets for those that would have otherwise been unable to afford to attend the games.

The idea was initially the brainchild of Ipswich supporter Matt Cattee, with fellow fan and Talking Town podcast contributor Richard Moss (@TheCruncher76 on Twitter) setting up the process, which was closed earlier this morning. However, those that now want to make a donation can still do so, with money going to East Anglia's Children's Hospice.

And in the wake of that news, Ipswich have confirmed that first-team manager Paul Cook, his coaching staff and the players will also be purchasing tickets for supporters.

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Reflecting on the response so far, Ashton said: “I said when we launched #PackOutPR that it was a call to action to the supporters. They’ve met that call – and then some.

“I would like to thank the incredible generosity shown by supporters to raise that amount of money so others less fortunate can come to Portman Road."

Ashton also revealed that the number of tickets already sold for the meeting with Sunderland – which all of the club's owners will attend – is fast approaching 20,000.

He added: "To have sold almost 20,000 tickets for a match which is still over a month away is truly incredible.

“As I’ve said multiple times before, we can only do this together, so I’m pleased that Paul, his staff and the players will also be doing their bit to support the cause and the community they are all so proud to represent and be a part of.”

Owner Brett Johnson has also previously committed to purchasing tickets as part of the #PackOutPR campaign.