A POLICEMAN from March has sealed a marathon fundraising effort by presenting a cheque for more than �3,500 to the hospital ward that helped him beat breast cancer.

Mark Cross handed a cheque for �3,565 to the Oncology Department at Peterborough City Hospital on Friday. The ward treated him throughout his battle with breast cancer after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2009.

The 42-year-old detective constable had an operation to remove his left breast as well as seven months of chemotherapy and three months of radiotherapy. He was one of only 300 men to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

The staggering total was raised at a charity darts tournament held by Mr Cross at the GER Sports Club in February.

Hundreds of people flocked to the event, which was boosted by a host of donated prizes from professional sports men and darts legends.

Dr Karen McAdam, Consultant Oncologist for Peterborough and Stamford NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We will use the money raised by Mark on improving patient experience and quality of care. Going through any cancer treatment is tough, so we hope the money will contribute towards making it easier for our patients.

“We also hope to consult our existing users, and find out how they think we could improve their experiences during the treatment.”

Mr Cross, who competed in a national darts tournament last year, has been playing darts across Fenland since he was 15.