Man organises rare chance to play with world darts legend at Burghfield Community Sports Association in memory of late wife

One man is organising a night to remember to repay the hospice which supported him through the hardest time of his life.

Reading resident Peter Bush, 69, is organising a rare opportunity in memory of his late wife, Audrey, who died from liver and kidney cancer at the end of last year.

A small number of locals will be given a once in a lifetime chance to play with former darts world champion, Bob Anderson, in a charity fundraiser to support Sue Ryder, which cared for Mrs Bush in her final days.

“Audrey was an incredible woman,” said Mr Bush. “She spent a lot of her time fundraising herself. She worked for three years at The Kidney Foundation and even outside of work she would always be thinking of others, often knitting hats and blankets for baby units at local hospitals.

“I am a keen darts player and thought it would be a great idea to tie in what I love with an event in memory of Audrey, whilst raising money for Sue Ryder.”

A raffle will be held at Burghfield Community Sports Association next month where 14 people will win the chance to play with Mr Anderson — which hopes to raise £1,000.

Mr Bush continued: “Sue Ryder was a great support at the end of last year when my wife 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.

“One of the nurses still checks in on my daughter to see how she is getting on. We were treated with nothing but kindness.”

After she died, Mr Bush contact Grief Kind Space at Thatcham, which provides a safe and supportive setting for people to share their experiences of grief.

“The Grief Kind Spaces are brilliant. I can go and talk to people who are also dealing with grief and say things openly that I may not feel comfortable saying to my family.

“The first time I went I was a bit nervous, but I took a deep breath and went in, and I’m so glad I did. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive.

“It’s helped me learn that there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and the Grief Kind Spaces are a great outlet to be able to speak freely.”

Mr Bush’s darts charity fundraiser will be held on September 16 from 6.30pm at Burghfield Community Sports Association.

Please contact the association on 0118 983 3423 if you wish to attend.