POLICE officer Mark Cross’ fundraising for the hospital ward that treated him for breast cancer has been given a massive boost... by a “secret millionaire”.

Self-made millionaire Mike Greene, who lives in Crowland, helped secure the future of a Peterborough playground on an episode of Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire in September.

But now he has taken a shine to the fundraising efforts of Mr Cross, from March, who has raised more than �3,500 for the Oncology Department at Peterborough City Hospital.

Mr Greene has donated an auction prize for Mr Cross’ charity darts tournament this month... a week’s holiday in one of his luxury villas in Florida.

Mr Cross said: “It is an amazing gesture and it should really raise the profile of the day.

“I thought people were generous last year, but this year’s response has been phenomenal.”

The Metropolitan Police fraud squad officer was one of only 300 men diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. After two operations and months of chemotherapy, the father-of-two entered remission.

The first charity darts event, held last February at the GER Sports Club in March, raised enough money to purchase an ultrasound machine for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Mr Cross, who has been playing in Fenland’s darts leagues for 28 years, is hoping this year’s event, taking place on February 25 from 11.30am, will raise even more.

He said he has applied for a special grant from Mr Greene, who has pledged to match donations of up to �2,500 raised by charities in the region.

Auction prizes have flooded in for the tournament, with a host of professional darts players donating memorabilia.

Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld have donated signed shirts, while Olympic sailing star Ben Ainslie has sent a signed vest.

Former England striker Michael Owen has donated a signed Manchester United shirt and all eight dart boards have been sponsored by businesses.

Mr Cross said: “I have had a wonderfully worded e-mail from darts professional Darryl Fitton wishing me all the best and local shops and businesses in March and beyond have donated wonderful draw prizes.”