Darts ace hits the mark for brave tot
SEVERELY disabled youngster Cameron Key could be spending the summer in his own sensory garden – thanks to the help of a former darts champion.
Darts ace Richie Burnett took on 16 challengers at the Normacot Hotel, Normacot, last night to raise money for the three-year-old and his family.
Cameron is registered blind, has epilepsy, kidney disease, and is severely under-developed.
His
parents Jayne and Phill want a sensory garden at their home in Chepstow Place, Sandford Hill, to help stimulate his hearing and sense of smell.And they were overjoyed that licensee Peter Lumby stepped in to help take it closer to reality. Jayne, aged 39, said: "We^d love to set up a garden with some plants that smell nice, a water feature and a soft play area.
"Cameron can^t do much and he is like a little baby, so if we could get him out in the garden he will get lots of fresh air, be able to smell different things and interact with wildlife."
Peter, who has a number of darts connections, hopes to raise around £5,000 through the event and others he has in the pipeline.
He only met the family seven weeks ago but said he was immediately spurred on to help. Peter said: "Cameron is a fantastic lad. There is a lot of work to be done on the garden but we will get it done.
"It doesn^t matter how long it takes, we will do it for him."
The night also featured an auction with items such as bottles of champagne and a child^s motorbike.
Phill, aged 37, said: "I can^t believe Pete has done this.
"We can^t thank Richie enough for turning up and we are amazed that so many people helped by donating things."
Richie, the 1995 World Darts Champion, from Wales, said: "I was only happy to help Cameron and his family out.
"Darts has always been a community
sport so it is good for fund-raisers like this because you can get everyone together."