A legendary fundraising darts league has raised over £170,00 for their local Children’s Hospice.
Little Havens Ladies Darts League has been raising money for Little Havens Children’s Hospice for 16 years – even before the hospice first opened it’s doors in March 1998. Their latest donation of £8000 has boosted their current total to a staggering £170, 078.17. The cheque was presented at their annual prize giving and awards evening to Little Havens Community Fundraiser Peter Hall last month at the Springhouse Community Centre in Springhouse Road, Corringham.
The darts league currently consists of 11 teams of ladies with the youngest aged 18 and the oldest an amazing 94! Members come from the Corringham, Stanford-le-hope, South Ockendon, Grays and Laindon areas. The ladies meet at various pubs and social clubs across the district to practice their ‘arrows’ – and equally importantly to enjoy the great social atmosphere with a drink or two whilst discussing the business of fundraising!
The league was started 48 years ago and as soon as they heard that Little Havens was being built in the mid nineties they immediately decided to start fundraising for the hospice, and haven’t looked back since. They have reached their amazing total by organising a variety of fundraising events throughout the year including weekly raffles, quiz evenings, and race nights – in addition to raising funds through their league membership fee.
League Secretary, Iris Cunningham, 71, from Stanford-le-Hope has been a member of the league since it’s inception – 48 years ago. and had this to say: ” All the ladies of the Little Havens Ladies Darts League are delighted to have presented our latest donation of £8000 to Little Havens. We love playing darts, really enjoy getting together regularly, and have made many friends over the years as a result. Fundraising for the hospice has been such fun and we are delighted that Little Havens uses our donation to help care for local children and families who so desperately need our support. We are committed to continuing to fundraise for them and want to encourage others to help support the great work they do”.
Peter Hall, Community Fundraiser for Little Havens went on to say, “ On behalf of all the children and families who we care for, I would like to thank Iris and all the members of Little Havens Ladies darts League for their dedicated support, over so many years. Without gifts from our supporters Little Havens simply couldn’t exist.”
Because the care provided is free of charge, Little Havens Hospice relies on the kind support of the community to be able to provide respite breaks, symptom control and end-of-life care for children living with a life-limiting illness and their families.
To find out how your support could help children and families cared for by the hospice, please call Peter on 01702 220350, email phall@havenshospices.org.uk or visit havenshospices.org.uk
