6:20pm Tuesday 29th December 2009
By Emma Cruces
A HUNCOAT man is hoping to use his darts skills to raise thousands for the ward which cared for his grandfather.
Jamie Guilfoyle, 26, an amateur darts player at the Sydney Street Working Men’s Club, Accrington, is one of eight of the nation’s darts players to have secured their place in the John Smith’s People’s Darts quarter finals at the Lakeside on Tuesday, January 5.
Jamie took his place after competing with nearly 100 players for the North West title at King George’s Hall.
The event in the summer saw Jamie raise £1,000 for Accrington Victoria’s JP ward, where his grandfather Walter Pickup was treated while suffering from cancer some years ago.
If Jamie is successful against the seven other finalists from around the country, it could see a total of £14,000 donated to the ward which cared for Walter, who died aged 71.
Jamie said: “I still can’t believe I’ve made it this far.
“King George’s Hall was the biggest venue I have ever played at but now I am going to the Lakeside.
“Everyone says that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and that is certainly the case. It is like a dream come true. It’s all for charity of course and I would love to be able to give the £14,000 to Accrington Victoria.
“They were really good when they were looking after my grandad and it was the first place I thought of when they asked me to support a cause.”
Since winning the regional final, Jamie has been mentored at the Sydney Street club by darts champion Tony ‘Silverback’ O’Shea.
Tony said: “It was great to play darts with Jamie in his local. I will be supporting him 100% and hope we can bring the trophy to the North West.”
Jamie, a distribution technician for Senator furniture manufacturers, Altham, also plays for Burnley Road Bowling Club in the Accrington Independent League.
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