THE family of a courageous woman who died from cancer 10 years ago held a darts tournament to mark what would have been her 40th birthday.

More than 500 people attended the fundraising event at the Macron Stadium and £1,424 was raised for Bolton Hospice.

Gemma Feeney, from Deane, died in March, 2007, after losing a five-year battle with the disease, aged just 29.

She became well known for her brave response to the disease by launching a fundraising campaign and raising about £100,000 for The Christie in Manchester.

Her sister, Sarah Morris, organised the darts tournament in memory of Gemma who was a keen fan of the sport.

Ms Morris said: “The event was brilliant. We held the tournament to celebrate what would have been my sister’s 40th birthday.

“I’ve always done something to mark it every year and this was fantastic.”

Gemma was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002 after complaining of painful headaches.

She underwent surgery, six weeks of radiotherapy and four weeks of chemotherapy and thought that she had beaten the illness.

But in May, 2004, she developed severe back pain and rare tumours were discovered on her spine. She continued with her treatment, but was told by doctors that her illness was terminal.

Those who attended the Darts For Life 2018 competition helped to raise almost £1,500 for the hospice, which offers care to those with terminal or life-limiting illnesses.

Ms Morris added: “We had people attend the event from all over the country.

“Darts was a massive sport back in the day and we wanted to bring this back since a lot of pubs have closed in Bolton.

“Bolton has some of the best darts players in the country.”

Kirk Shephard, of Ramsgate, who is the youngest darts player ever to reach a final of the World Professional Darts Championship, was the overall winner of the tournament.

He won £2,000 in prize money and the winner’s trophy.

Another big name taking part was Lisa Ashton, of Bolton, the four-time British Darts Organisation women’s world champion.

Organisers already plan to hold the event again next year.

nFor more information, visit dartsforlife.co.uk