THE widow of a darts fanatic has thanked the hospital that helped him by staging a fundraising event.

John Hughes, of Greenbrook Close, Chesham, Bury, died aged 61 on September 13 after suffering from a lung problem.

He spent his last two days at Bealey Hospital in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, and his widow Christine was so impressed by the care that staff gave him, a darts night was held at the Salisbury Club in Badger Street, Bury. Mr Hughes, whose nickname was Yosser after the character from television drama Boys from the Blackstuff, was a popular darts player on the Lancashire circuit.

At the event, his darts pals played several exhibition matches and raised £350 for the hospital.

Mrs Hughes said: “When I was told John was going to be spending his last few days in the hospital, I didn’t know what to expect.

“The staff couldn’t do enough for him. They kept him at peace and free from pain.

“They couldn’t possibly be any nicer. Nothing was too much trouble.

“At one stage, there must have been 14 family members round his bed and they brought his drinks, food and extra reclining chairs for us to sleep on.

“I know the donation is well appreciated and will allow them to keep doing such excellent work and I will endeavour to donate to them again in future.”

A spokesman from Bury-based firm Dizzy Darts, which put on the night, said: “A couple of months ago, we lost one of our very good friends.

“He was one of Britain’s finest darters from the early 1980s to recent times.”

A Bealey Hospital spokesman said: “We are very grateful for the donation.

“We are an NHS Hospital but we have a lot of things we wish to buy.

“This money really helps us put the icing the cake for our patients.”