Burghfield locals play charity darts event with former world champion

A darts event organised by a man in memory of his wife hit the bullseye after raising more than £1,200.

Peter Bush organised a rare evening with former darts world champion Bob Anderson, who played 15 games with locals at Burghfield Community Association on September 16.

Mr Bush organised the event in memory of his late wife, Audrey, who died from liver and kidney cancer at the end of last year.

Mr Bush also uses the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space in Thatcham to talk about his experience of grief.

He said: “Sue Ryder was a great support when Audrey passed away.

“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.”

And speaking about the darts event, Mr Bush added: “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 he was there.

“I enjoyed playing against him, although he didn’t go easy on me.”

The total funds raised 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,” added Mr Bush. “We shouldn’t need to fundraise for people to access this type of care, 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.”