A SPORTING legend made a special appearance in a city pub to help support a fundraiser in aid of Colchester Hospital.
Retired professional darts player Bobby George, from Ardleigh, appeared at the Aaron Services darts tournament at the Rovers Tye, in Ipswich Road, last Saturday.
From 4pm onwards, 16 employees from Aaron Services and its associates battled it out in a tournament whilst helping raise funds for the centre.
The business wanted to support the centre as “cancer touches everyone”.
It’s been months of planning from Paul who organised it with the support of his trusty colleagues.
He said: “On Saturday before it started, I was stressing a bit, I was hoping it was all going to go well.
“I had a lot of support, from my company, colleagues, from my area supervisor, he helped me get things together.
“Thankfully, everyone kept saying what a good night they were having.
“The feedback has been unbelievable; it exceeded my expectations.
“The venue was brilliant as well, I cannot thank the Rovers Tye for their support.”
The final was between Aaron Services area supervisor Ian Coutts, and Sam Goodwin from an agency called Rubix, with Sam taking home two trophies as the winner.
Every player got a medal for participating.
On the night, Shirley Buckmaster, a spokesman for the cancer centre and Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, thanked everyone for their support and explained how the donations will be used.
Thanks to a connection at Aaron Services, Mr George also made an appearance, speaking to everyone and thanking everyone for coming to the event and donating.
Paul was delighted he could attend.
He said: “Bobby was absolutely brilliant, he was on top form, he was speaking to everyone, he spoke about his stories, had photos taken with everyone and made a little speech as well.
“I can’t thank him enough.”
So far, on the night donations and through a JustGiving page means that Paul and the team have raised £776.50 so far.
Paul said: “Whatever we made was a bonus, everyone is a winner.
“I’m really happy people enjoyed themselves raising money for a great charity."
To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/paul-messer-1722933164496.
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