DARTERS HIT THE pounds 6,000 TARGET; Cancer battler in fundraising challenge.

Byline: By STEVE EVANS [e-mail]

NUNEATON cancer battler Graham Birch today thanked fundraisers who helped raise pounds 6,000.

Dad-of-two Graham, who is desperate for a bone marrow operation after being diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer, took part in a million- and-one darts marathon challenge earlier this year.

He and 11 sleep-starved pals threw an astonishing 55,603 darts during two days and nights of round-the-clock darts action at Nuneaton Borough FC's social club at Manor Park.

Today, 49-year-old Graham paid tribute to the friends who helped make the fundraiser such an overwhelming success. "I can't thank them enough," he said. "They have all been so wonderful."

A special buffet and disco was laid on at the Boro social club in honour of Graham.

During the evening, he presented two cheques - each for pounds 3,055.50 - to Nuneaton Borough FC's youth and community

football project and to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. The trust keeps a national register of possible donors.

Graham, who lives in Attleborough Road, has so far raised well in excess of pounds 10,000 since being diagnosed with lymphoma.

Last year, he organised a table-top sale in the town and more than 40 people also took part in a sponsored walk to boost the Anthony Nolan funds.

He said: "The darts marathon took us a total of 44 hours and 55 minutes. It was tiring, but it was a real success."

Roger Barnes, a member of the Nuneaton Borough Football Trust, turned up with central defender Terry Angus to accept one of the cheques. He said: "Graham is an inspiration to everyone. We all wish him well and hope that he can soon find a donor."