A police officer’s annual charity darts day, in aid of the hospital which helped him beat cancer, has reached a major fundraising milestone.

In five years, the The Mark Cross Charity Darts Day has raised £30,330 for Peterborough City Hospital. This year’s edition, at the GER Sports and Social Club, raised £7,011.

Mr Cross was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2009. He says the care and treatment he received at the hospital “saved my life”.

He said: “It was during my chemotherapy that I witnessed first-hand the incredible job that all that work in the Oncology Department do.

“They work with compassion, care and were always there for me to offer advice and listen to all of my concerns.

“There is no doubt that the care and treatment I have received saved my life. Having completed my treatment, I felt I had to do something to say thank you.

“For the past five years, I have organised and run an annual Cancer Darts Charity Fun Day at the GER Sports & Social Club.

“I have been a local darts secretary for several leagues for nearly 25 years now. The day involves all generations of darts players and non-darts players alike. We play triples, pairs and singles competitions and a youth singles competition is also arranged.

“We have a grand draw, tombola stall and an auction. We have historically auctioned various items of sporting memorabilia with all profits being donated to the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the benefit of the Oncology Department at Peterborough City Hospital.

“The event is superbly supported and 110 dart players played in the competitions this year and many more attended to support the event.”

FIVE YEARS OF FUNDRAISING

2011 - £3,565

2012 - £5,628

2013 - £5,626

2014 - £8,500

2015 - £7,011