Charity Darts Event With Star Player Wayne Mardle Hits The Bullseye With Fundraisers

Amateur and professional darts players are on target to raise much needed funds for a national resource centre which helps people suffering from industrial disease thanks to Irwin Mitchell.

Ian Bailey, a partner and head of the industrial illness team at the law firm’s Leeds office, took to the stage at Drax Sports and Social Club in Selby to play alongside darts  legend Wayne Mardle during a special exhibition game.

The event, which was hosted by the Snaith Darts and Dominoes League and sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, raised £1,380 for the Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust. The money will help provide information, support and advice to  people suffering from the incurable disease caused by asbestos exposure.

Wayne, nicknamed ‘Hawaii 501’ due to the colourful shirts he wears to compete in, scored 501 with Ian still having 238 on the board.

Ian said: “Our specialist mesothelioma teams at Irwin Mitchell see the devastating consequences asbestos exposure can have on our clients. We have been working with Mesothelioma UK nationally for a number of years and this was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the charity locally, where so many families have been touched by the disease.

“The positive feedback we have had from our clients about Mesothelioma UK shows that it’s a valuable resource for information and support for people suffering from this terrible illness, and their families.

“We pride ourselves on our community work at Irwin Mitchell and the darts event in Selby was a great opportunity to raise awareness and money for a charitable trust close to our hearts. Despite the fact I was beaten by Wayne, he was a great opponent and it was a really fun event and a treat to play against such a sporting star.”

More than 120 people attended the event, which was refereed by Paul Hinks from the Professional Darts Corporation. Guests enjoyed a pie and pea supper as well as the chance to meet 39-year-old Wayne, who has recently made the transition from playing darts to the commentary box, filling in for Sky Sports as a pundit.

For more information about Mesothelioma UK, or to make a donation to the charity, visit http://www.mesothelioma.uk.com.