Thetford pub’s 24 hour darts marathon raises £3,600 for Poppy Mai appeal

The Black Horse pub in Thetford held a 24 hour darts marathon in aid of the Poppy Mai Appeal. (Image: Archant)

The challenge at the Black Horse pub in Thetford saw 16 people play continuously from 2pm on Saturday.

The participants were raising money for the Poppy Mai Appeal and have so far collected £3,630, with more donations still to be counted.

Landlord Terry Gillman, who organised the event with wife Pam, said the darts enthusiasts had played in a round robin for the 24 hours, with matches drawn and scoring managed by Alan and Cheryl Haye.

The joint winners of the event were Dan 'Squeaky' Eeke and Tony Wing, with Dan 'Dribbly' Mock securing the highest shot with a score of 156. Around nine 180s were thrown during the matches.

Mr Gillman said: 'There were a few who found it a bit tiring but on the whole spirits were up and we kept each other going. It was a fantastic night.

'We had fantastic local support as well. About 10pm on Saturday night we had pizza delivered from the Thetford kebab shop and Domino's Pizza, and on Sunday morning someone came along at about 10am with two big trays of bacon rolls for us. 'The pub was packed on Sunday afternoon when we came to a finish.

'We've had a bucket on the bar for the last week or so to collect donations, which we still have to count.'

Mr Gillman said the players themselves had raised more than £100 during their matches, with each player donating 50p when a 180 was scored or when a player scored under 10 with three darts.

The winners of the pub's most recent quiz night also elected to donate their money to the appeal.

Mr Gillman said: 'We want to thank everyone who generously donated to us, and all those who took part.'

He also wished to thank Captec Stitch 'n' Print, who printed the t-shirts for the darts players, each personalised with nicknames.

Are you organising an event for charity? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk.