THE family of darts enthusiast Reg Gifford are hoping to hit the bullseye with a charity match in his honour.

They are calling on friends of ‘Super Reg’ to step up to the oche and raise money for the cancer hospice which nursed him in his last days.

Reg died in December at the age of 60 after a short battle with lung cancer.

"Darts was his life," said his partner of 10 years, Cathy Fowler.

"He was so well known on the darts circuit, he played in all the local leagues, and because his love of the game was so great I thought it would be nice to have a charity match once a year."

Reg was cared for at the St Peter’s Hospice in Brentry, Bristol, and later by nurses at his home in Bredon, Yate.

"They were excellent," said Cathy, 56. "It was Reg’s dying wish to be at home and they helped us do that."

His step-daughter Anne-Marie Bond, who is helping to organise the event, said: "If we can raise enough money to pay for one patient to get the care the hospice gave Reg it will be worth it. It would make Reg proud."

Reg, who has four sons by two previous marriages, lived in Yate for 30 years. He worked as a digger driver for Kelston Sparkes, based near Pensford, and had helped to dig up the ground where the Cabot Circus shopping centre now stands.

He was well known for being the first recipient of a heart defibrillator in Bristol after suffering three heart attacks.

Reg loved his grandchildren and his two dogs.

"He was a very selfless person," said Cathy. "He was very loving and caring and his loves in life were his work and darts."

The first memorial match takes place on Saturday, January 24 (from 2pm) at the Railway Hotel on Station Road, Yate, and will be open to doubles with a three-leg 501 competition. Pub landlords Harvey and Sheron Perks are donating a trophy and Cathy is putting up £100 in prize money.

There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses including meals out, haircuts, a case of wine and flowers. A live band will provide the evening entertainment.

"We know it is not the best time of year to be doing this and during the credit crunch but we are trying to get as many people there as possible," said Anne-Marie.

"We can’t bring Reg back but darts was something very close to his heart.

"The match will be a tribute to him and we hope to help the hospice and other people with cancer."

Players can register for the match on the day but for more information contact Cathy Fowler on 07748 149850.