A CHARITY darts night hit the bullseye when it came to fundraising.
It saw former world champion Bob Anderson take on players at Burghfield Sports and Social Club, and raised more than £1,200 in the process.
Peter Bush organised the event last month in memory of his late wife Audrey, as a way of thanking Sue Ryder and Newbury and District Cancer Care for the support they have given him, including the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space in Thatcham, which gives him an opportunity to explore his feelings in a safe environment.
He was thrilled with how the event went: “It was such a successful evening, I am so pleased with how much everyone got behind the event.
“Bob Anderson was very good, he played a lot of games and I know it meant a lot to everyone that he was there. I enjoyed playing against him, although he didn’t go easy on me.
“It was a lot of fun and I am over the moon with how much was raised, which will be split between Sue Ryder and Newbury Cancer Care. It means a lot to me that I am able to give back to the nurses that supported my wife and my family during such a difficult time.”
Of the help he received, he said: “Sue Ryder was a great support when Audrey passed away from liver and kidney cancer. I was able to stay with Audrey at West Berkshire Community Hospital where she was cared for by Sue Ryder Nurses and Newbury Cancer Care.
“Sue Ryder provided such exceptional, high-quality care for Audrey. There was nothing too much for the nurses and we were treated with nothing but kindness.”
He added: “We shouldn’t need to fundraise for people to be able to access this type of care during the hardest of times, but that is unfortunately the reality we live in. I know my brain wasn’t functioning properly after Audrey died, and Sue Ryder helped so much. Everybody deserves that.”
The donations were gratefully received by the charities.
Helen Milroy, director of operations from Newbury Cancer Care, said: “We are so grateful to Peter for all that he is doing for us. He set out on a mission to support Newbury Cancer Care and Sue Ryder, and we’re extremely grateful for the lovely cheque he has given us – we can’t thank him enough.
“It will be used to support the Rainbow Rooms at West Berkshire Community Hospital.”
The charity relies on donations: “All are vital to us … a penny, a pound – anybody can donate anything,” Ms Milroy added.
