Town superfan Gracie Baldry, 10, who is receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), had a day to remember after meeting manager Kieran McKenna and his Blues squad at Playford Road.
Gracie, parents James and Kim and 15-year-old brother Liam were invited to the club’s training base and having watched the squad being put through their paces, met boss McKenna and players including club captain Sam Morsy.
The visit was organised as Gracie receives care from EACH, the dedicated charity partner for tomorrow’s Premier League fixture against Everton at Portman Road.
"As a family, we’re huge Town fans so it was a special and unique experience to spend time at the training ground,” said James.
"Kieran and his players were absolutely first class – all coming over to say hi and spend time with us – and we were so grateful for an amazing opportunity.”
Gracie has right-side hemiplegia cerebral palsy, as well as epilepsy, global development delay, hearing loss and the gene mutation V Factor Leiden.
She and her family have been receiving care and support from EACH for five years, at The Treehouse.
Gracie was Town’s mascot for a 3-0 victory against Shrewsbury Town at Portman Road in August 2019.
After watching the squad train yesterday, the Baldry family were invited to join the squad for lunch and both Gracie and Liam were presented with Town shirts.
The family have also been invited to attend tomorrow’s game – before which Town’s players will be wearing branded warm-up tops bearing the EACH logo.
"We’re extremely grateful to the club for giving us this incredible opportunity and platform, and we very much appreciate our ongoing relationship with Ipswich Town,” said EACH senior corporate fundraiser Billie Nugent.
"It’s great exposure and awareness for us, as a charity, and, given the club’s charitable goals and amazing fanbase, it’s a perfect relationship.”
There will be bucket collections around the ground at Saturday's match and in the hospitality areas, as well as information and messages displayed in the programme, on the big screen and electronic advertising hoardings. EACH mascot ECHO! will be on hand to meet young supporters in the FanZone.
Town chairman and CEO Mark Ashton added: "We are proud to have such a strong relationship with EACH, which provides incredible support to young people and their families in extremely tough circumstances.
"To have the opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds at our dedicated matchday is a privilege for us all and we hope supporters are able to contribute to such an important cause.”