A POLICE officer will hold his second charity darts day next month as he continues to raise thousands of pounds for the hospital ward that treated him for breast cancer.

Mark Cross, from March, was one of only 300 men in the country to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009. After two operations and months of chemotherapy, the father-of-two entered remission.

Last February, Mr Cross, who works as a fraud squad officer for the Metropolitan Police, raised more than �3,500 for the Oncology Department at Peterborough City Hospital with his darts event at the GER Sports Club. But this year he wants to raise even more.

“I’ve got Christmas out of the way and now I’ve got that fundraising bug back,” he said. “I’m as passionate about it as ever.

“The Oncology Department has used the money we raised last year to buy an ultrasound machine for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It’s fantastic to see it going to such good use.”

The second charity event will be held at the GER on February 25, from 11.30am. The day will include darts tournaments, prize draws and a grand auction, with items donated from professional darts stars.

PDC World Champion Adrian Lewis has already donated a signed set of darts and a signed shirt to the cause.

Since last year’s event, Mr Cross has started giving talks for Cancer Research UK, outlining his experience of the disease for new staff.

He said: “It’s very rewarding for me and another thank you for the work that they do.”

Mr Cross, who has been playing in Fenland’s darts leagues for 28 years, is looking for businesses to sponsor one of the eight dart boards at his latest fundraiser.

To sponsor a board or donate a prize, contact Mr Cross by e-mail at crossie180@talktalk.net or on 01354 658343.