A BROMSGROVE schoolboy has helped raise more than £3,000 for a cancer charity and in memory of his grandmother by organising a darts marathon.
Kind-hearted Alfie Johnson, 15, from Catshill, came up with the idea in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support when his grandma June Jones was diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer on December 19.
The North Bromsgrove High School student got family and friends on board, embarking on a challenge to notch up 100,000 darts points in under 12 hours.
Alfie initially set a fundraising target of £250 but that figure was passed within days but, through Macmillan Cancer Support donation page and a raffle, more than £3,000 has now been generated for the charity to help it provide help and support for other cancer patients.
Alfie’s 17-year-old brother George created a special app to keep score and his parents Dan and Becky Johnson also supported the event.
Alfie’s efforts attracted support from across the community including Catshill Social Club, which offered its venue for free and donated to the cause. Bromsgrove businesses donated prizes for a raffle including Broad Street DIY, Sidemoor Fish Bar and Pronto Pizza, along with June’s sister-in-laws Janet Taylor and Pauline Burford.
With friends’ and family’s help, the target score total was reached after five hours of non-stop darts.
Alfie had hoped to complete the challenge in front of his grandma but June’s condition worsened and she died, aged 69 in January, just weeks before the darts marathon took place.
With June no longer able to attend, the gathering became a poignant memorial event in her honour, attracting around 100 people last Friday.
Alfie said: “Every dart thrown was for grandma. I can’t believe how much we’ve raised but knowing it will enable Macmillan nurses to help others is our way of giving something back to them.”
June, from Bromsgrove, was married to Mick Jones for almost 50 years. They met when she worked for the Post Office and had daughters Lisa and Becky.
June was well-known working for Sanders Badge Factory and later as a cleaner at Bromsgrove School and Sidemoor First School.
Alfie’s mum, teacher Becky Johnson, said June’s cancer diagnosis hit everyone hard, especially how quickly it took hold.
“What Macmillan Cancer Support offered us and her in such a short space of time was amazing.
“The Macmillan nurse and team gave support, kindness, and reassurance during one of the most difficult times we’ve ever faced.”
Martin Tilley, from Catshill Social Club, said the venue prided itself on being a place where the community had come together for over 100 years and was more than happy to help when hearing of Alfie’s challenge.
Visit: dartsmarathon.macmillan.org.uk/users/rebecca-johnson-2 for more and to donate.
