The most money ever raised in a charity darts match in March is about to be banked with a total of £12,000 going to a cancer ward at Peterborough hospital..
The eighth cancer charity darts fun day at the GER Sports Club had an “amazing” response, said organisers.
Mark Cross, organiser, said: “The support on the day was simply phenomenal and the atmosphere in the venue was electric. Thanking those that made the day so special does not even come close to showing my appreciation.
”Early indications suggest that when all auction lots are paid for and all monies are in we will have made a profit in the region of £12,000.
“This is the highest amount of money raised at any of the charity days.”
All profits go to the oncology department at Peterborough City Hospital. The total raised in the last eight years is more than £56,500-00.
“My aim was to reach £50,000 this year and that target has now been left far behind.
“I contacted my oncologist at Peterborough City Hospital, Dr Karen McAdam, to inform her of the good news and she was so grateful, describing herself as speechless.”
The event was standing room only with 100 people playing darts and many more cramming in to support the event and enjoy the tombola, draw and auction.
Mark said: “A minute’s applause opened the day in memory of those that have ardently supported the day over the years, but are sadly no longer with us.
“Special mention was made of Johnnie King, Margaret Turvey and Terry King who recently passed away and to Spud Taylor who is currently fighting cancer.”
Special mentions went to Mark’s mum and dad, Ann and Dick Cross and Bill Turvey who sold draw tickets and who worked tirelessly securing draw prizes.
Bill Turvey also donated £900 in memory of his wife Margaret.
Thanks also went to Mark’s My nan, Jackie Healey who donated most of the tombola prizes and made over £420 on the day with help from Shirley Moores, Andrew Youles, Craig Gilpatrick, Tony Barnes and Lorraine Barnes, plus all of the GER committee and bar staff for their continued support. “I couldn’t do the day without the love and support of my wonderful wife Kim and my son’s Ryan and Nathan.
“Many local businesses generously donated draw prizes including March Quality Meats, Stotts Fish Restaurant, Malletts Jewellers, Spectacular Opticians, One Stop, The Causeway, March, The Cycle Shop, Storeys Arts & Crafts, Boots, Sainsburys, Mill View Fishing Tackle, Boyes and Tesco (Hostmoor).
“Several of the auction lots were sponsored by generous groups and individuals of the King Family donating £400 from their birthday parties, Townsend Angling Club donated £25, ladies at ‘Fun with Flowers’ at March Conservative Club donated £142, the John King memorial day raised £215, Mike and Mel Baker from Australia donated £200 and the wonderful 2nd March Cubs and their brilliant leader, Rachel Redhead raised £170.”
A Liverpool squad signed shirt raised £650, the Anthony Joshua and Vladimir Klitschko signed boxing gloves, £410 and the four VIP tickets for Soccer Am raised £710.”
On the day donations came from Phil and Mary Amps (£500); Gary and Sally Hunns (£400) and Liam Lorraine ran a half marathon raising £400.
Many many thanks to board sponsors GER Hot Shotz darts team, The Rose & Crown (Manea), Jason Avory, Nigel Searle, Mortgage Force (Chatteris), M & W Ceramics, Kerry Rutterford and Di and Spud Taylor.
Darts winners on the day were:
• Cricket triples winners: Brian Jones, John Imrie and Emma Fuller. Runners-up: Mick Wyles, Matt Chapman and Gill Fulcher.
• Pairs winners: Paul Wenn and Rob Alexander. Runners-up: Mick Beart and Adam Roper.
• Singles champion: Anton Liscsey; Runner-up Tim Fulcher.
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