THREE years ago, a specialist told Detective Inspector Mark Cross that what he thought was a minor chest injury was in fact breast cancer.

The father-of-two, one of only 300 men to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009, started chemotherapy and radiotherapy and had two serious operations.

But this week Mr Cross, who is now in remission, was left to celebrate the fact that he has now raised almost �10,000 for the hospital ward that treated him.

Hundreds of people filled the GER Sports Club, in March, on Saturday as the fraud squad officer staged his second charity darts tournament.

Mr Cross, from March, said: “Early indications are that we have raised �5,307.78. Words cannot express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to an awesome day.

“I was supported by Tony and Lorraine Barnes, my mum Ann Cross and my nan Jackie Healey, who worked tirelessly in securing draw prizes for the event.

“I could not have achieved what I have without the love and support of my wonderful wife Kim.”

A stunning charity auction helped to boost the total, which easily beat last year’s sum of just over �3,500.

A Manchester United football shirt signed by former England star Michael Owen went for �200 while a signed Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor shirt fetched an incredible �1,100.

A week’s holiday in a luxury villa in Florida, donated by Peterborough’s “Secret Millionaire” Mike Greene, went for �450 and a dartboard signed by top players at the 2011 World Darts Championship fetched �260.

Mr Cross said: “Cancer affects so many and it is wonderful that with the help of these generous people I can again present a massive cheque to the Oncology Department at Peterborough City Hospital.”

About 90 people took to the oche for the darts tournaments, with Lee Kempley and Shaun Godfrey winning the blind draw pairs.

Bob Foster, Liz Humphreys and John Dye won the cricket triples while Tim Fulcher and Pete Church triumphed in the football pairs. Daniel Youles pipped James Willmot to the youth singles prize.

All the dart boards were sponsored, with The Plate & Porter Restaurant, Andrew Youles Accountants, JMC Construction, The Westbrook family, Kevin Painter Darts Roadshow, Paninis, Jackie Healey and Taymor Plumbing Supplies all supporting the cause.