A FUNDRAISING darts match organised by a Radcliffe sporting legend who has since died is to go ahead in his honour.

The charity event, in aid of St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton, was arranged by 78-year-old Jim Rhodes, who sadly died earlier this month.

It will take place on Friday, February 15, in Little Lever Working Men’s Club on Victory Road, beginning at 8pm.

Steve McKinney, a friend of Mr Rhodes, said: “We have spoken to Jimmy’s family and they are happy for it to take place.

“Jimmy had already sorted out all the trophies for the winners but we are asking people to bring along prizes for the raffle on the night.”

Mr Rhodes, a member of Radcliffe Athletics Club, was a prolific runner for decades.

At the age of 17 he had already become a Lancashire junior champion.

He dedicated years raising more than £100,000 for charity, including £70,000 for St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton.

The numerous charity races and darts events he organised were often in memory of his late wife, Joan.

When he was not running, Mr Rhodes was an amateur boxer and keen darts fan.

He became an official of the Lancashire Darts Association in 1969 and competed in major tournaments, including the Manchester qualifying round of the News of the Word Darts Championship, the major darts competition of the time.

Those who supported him included top darts players Lisa Ashton, Dennis Priestley, Kevin Painter and Steve Coote.

Mr Rhodes died at his home in Radcliffe and is survived by his sons Jimmy, Steven and Darren, daughter-in-law Janet, grandchildren David and Stephanie and great-grandchildren Olivia, Isabella, Jessica and Alex.

Fellow runners have described the great-grandfather as a “true gentleman” who made everyone he met feel special.

Speaking of the inspirational figure, Radcliffe AC chairman Chris Paxton said: “Jim’s passion for running, raising money for charity and for supporting others was truly legendary.”