Isle of Wight professional darts player Joe Hunt has helped raise vital funds for a 3-year-old Lymington girl battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
A charity fundraising weekend was held at Ryde Social Club on Adelaide Road last Saturday and Sunday, raising £374.10 towards specialist treatment for little Betty-Rose, who is battling stage 4 neuroblastoma.
The event featured darts and pool competitions, with local professional darts player Joe Hunt attending to take on challengers in return for donations to the appeal.
Islanders were invited to test their skills against Joe for £5, with a blind pairs darts competition also taking place.
The weekend also featured a raffle, trophies, a buffet and entertainment, with all proceeds going towards Betty-Rose’s treatment.
The fundraiser was organised with the support of the Island’s darts community, including Betty-Rose’s grandmother, Tracy Cox-Retallick, who represents the Isle of Wight in county darts and plays for several teams across the Island.
Although the event attracted fewer people than organisers had hoped, those who attended helped raise £374.10 for the cause, with Joe praised for giving up his time to support the family.
The fundraising comes as Betty-Rose’s mother, Alicia Rickman, desperately attempts to raise £520,000 to access specialist neuroblastoma treatment in Barcelona, Spain.
Betty-Rose, who is just 3 years old, has been fighting the rare childhood cancer for more than 2 years.
However, on 9th July, her family received the devastating news that the cancer had relapsed for a 2nd time and was no longer considered curable by her NHS medical team.
Alicia has explained that the NHS can now only offer treatment aimed at keeping the disease stable, leaving the family searching for alternative options overseas.
In an emotional appeal, Alicia said:
“I cannot put my feelings into words. Our hearts have been torn apart as our fiercely strong little girl fights not to give up.
“After several conversations, we have discovered a few options we could try, but unfortunately these come at a substantial cost.
“I cannot believe we are in a situation where money might be the reason Betty can get the treatment she needs.
“As a parent, I have to do everything in my power to give her the best chance; I cannot give up nor accept that cancer will take her from us.”
The family hopes that specialist treatment in Barcelona could give Betty-Rose another chance, although the considerable cost means they are relying on public donations to make it possible.
Alicia has launched a JustGiving appeal encouraging 260,000 people to donate just £2 each, which would collectively raise the £520,000 target.
The appeal has already received an incredible response, with more than £52,000 raised at the time of publication.
The family is encouraging anyone unable to make a donation to share the appeal with friends and family to help spread the word.
Those wishing to support Betty-Rose and her family can donate through the official JustGiving fundraising page.
