Norman Bennet from the darts league has been helping to raise money with the help of his fellow players for decades.

He explained: “The latest amount of money was raised through competitions held throughout the year and we hold events in the summer, winter and at either end of the season.

“I have been raising money for Didcot hospital since early 1970s and the total must be running into several thousands over the years.

“Started raising money as someone at the time donated a trophy and we didn’t know what to do and so we thought it would be nice to use it as an opportunity to give some money to something local. There’s lots of local people who receive help and care from Didcot Hospital so that seemed like a perfect cause.”

Norman has been running the darts club in Didcot for over 50 years and his charitable efforts are greatly appreciated by everyone at the hospital.

Joana Murteiro, ward manager at the hospital said: “It’s wonderful that the darts league think of us and have done so over so many years.

“The staff at the hospital work hard all year round to help and care for people from Didcot and further afield and it really gives them a lift when someone shows appreciation.

“Thanks to the generosity of the darts league and Norman’s efforts over the decades we have been able to buy things and carry out enhancements to things like the garden and this enhances the experience for patients and visitors.
“We would like to thank anyone who has contributed to the fundraising this year and since it all started in the 1970s.”

From left to right – Darren Sargeson, Candida Eldridge (Deputy Ward Manager), Dan Wyatt, Norman Bennett, Tony Davies, Joana Murteiro (Ward Manager), John Smith, Karen Hammond and John Hammond