TWO top darts players joined dying mum Tobi Mills and her twins on the oche to raise money for the Oxford Mail's £10,000 appeal.
World-class darts players Trina Gulliver and Kevin Painter took on all-comers who made a contribution to the fund for the opportunity to compete with the stars.
The event was staged last night at the Pressed Steel Sports and Social Club in Roman Way, Cowley, and raised about £200.
Single mum Tobi, 43, who is suffering secondary cancer, has been told by doctors she has just weeks to live.
But she told the Oxford Mail this week that she refuses to "wallow in self-pity", and is "trying to look for something positive in a negative situation".
Her ten-year-old twins Lauren and Ashton, who have penned an advert asking for new parents to come forward, enjoyed the darts night with their mum and wore T-shirts with their names on them, specially for the evening.
Tobi said: "I have no idea how to play darts, but it doesn't matter what the event is as long as it brings the community together.
"It's great that Kevin and Trina have given up their spare time to come along. I'll give them a game, but I might not win!"
England international Kevin, 30, who has a world-ranking of number ten, said he and Trina didn't hesitate when they were asked to make an appearance at the event. He said: "Tobi is a lovely person and her story has touched everyone. It's so sad to think that she might not be here in a few months' time. She seems to be managing to put on a brave face for the kids but it must be hard to imagine what she is thinking inside."
Trina, 28, who is ranked the women's world number one, added: "Tonight is not about serious darts, it's about having fun and raising some money for a very good cause."
"Tobi is a very courageous women and so are her children. I was glad to be in a position where I could try to do something to help."
Organiser John Penman, who is also organising a Guinness Book of Records attempt at the world's longest darts match in May, met Tobi when they were both out walking their dogs.
He said: "We don't know exactly how much this event will raise but it's great to have two of the world's top darts players helping the cause."Appeal co-ordinator Cheryl Chapman said proceeds from the evening would add to the £5,000 which has already been raised to set up a trust fund for the twins and raise money for the community.
Tobi and the twins are set to fly to Disneyworld in Florida, courtesy of The Sun, in the near future.
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article