A FUNDRAISER for a well-known darts player raised more than £550 for the Adver’s 160 Appeal for Prospect Hospice.

A charity darts competition and snail race at the Phoenex Bar in Royal Wootton Bassett raised the money in memory of Sandra Alexander, who died last November following a short illness caused by a heart condition at the age of 67.

Darts played a big role in Sandra’s life, and her family thought the competition would be a fitting tribute to her.

Dave Gould, a family friend of Sandra and the landlord of the Phoenex Bar, said: “I think everybody has something they are good at, and they enjoy it.

“Darts has this special buzz for me and for Brian, Sandra’s husband, and for all of us.

“A lot of people knew Sandra and a lot of people wanted to do something to remember her by. Because she was so involved with darts we thought it would be a fitting way to remember her.”

They decided to put the money towards supporting others at Prospect Hospice after reading about the Adver’s appeal.

Dave said: “We organised a Sandra Alexander Memorial Trophy in her memory.

“We want to make it an annual thing, and it went really well. We had about 58 players come along to take part from all over, from Devizes, from Marlborough, and from Cirencester.

“We also held a charity snail race, where people could place bets on a snail or buy one and then you watch the race as a cartoon on the television.”

The team from the Fox and Hounds in Haydon Wick were the overall winners of the darts competition, and many people donated their winnings to the cause.

Norma Gould, Dave’s wife, said: “We wanted to raise between £300 and £500, and we exceeded that, which is brilliant, and everyone had a good time too.

“We just want to say a big thank you to all the players who came along. We were a bit worried because it was a Saturday night and a lot of people just want to stay in but so many people came along. A particular thank you to Dave Grove from Marlborough Football Club, Andrew Reynolds from the Bees Knees in Cirencester and Dave Radway.”

Sandra’s widower, Brian, who has played for local darts clubs for nearly 60 years and currently plays at the Tawny Owl, Jester’s and Phoenex Bar, also felt that the evening was a fitting tribute.

The 74-year-old said: “She loved darts and she played herself many years ago and we just thought it would be a good thing to do.

“She had no vice, she used to say I don’t drink, I don’t smoke so I can swear, and cursing was her only vice."