Thousands has been raised for the cancer ward at Peterborough City Hospital thanks to the eighth and most successful year of a charity darts match in March.

A cheque for £12,000 was officially presented taking the total raised by Mark Cross and his charity darts events up to more than £56,000 since 2008.

The annual cancer charity darts fun day was at the GER Club in March hosted by Mark and Kim Cross who presented the money to oncologist, Dr Karen McAdam for the treatment of local cancer patients.

Mark said: “The response was amazing. 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 year.

“This is the highest amount of money raised at any of the charity days. All of the day’s profit will be donated to the Oncology Department at Peterborough City Hospital.

“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. My aim was to reach £50,000 this year and that target has now been left far behind!

“It 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.”

Money raised so far has bought an ultrasound machine for use in the chemotherapy department, comfortable chairs to enhance the treatment of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients, training courses for nurses who work in oncology and funding cancer research on a local level.

Also linear accelerator bunkers to give patients a view of the summer sky while they are lying on their backs for prolonged periods of time. an ECG machine and a radiotherapy trials radiographer.

“The darts match was opened with a minute’s applause in memory of those who 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.”

• Next year’s event, the ninth, will take place at the GER Sports Club on Saturday March 16 2019.