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Darts champs help tumour boy
CHAMPION darts supremo Phil "The Power" Taylor is used to lifting trophies.
But the 13-time world champ took time out from his preparations for the Stan James World Matchplay to give a Bispham schoolboy a boost.
The Power was one of the big name players who put their rivalry aside to come together in aid of the Lewis Edmundson appeal.
Their arrow-throwing efforts raised 1,202.22 with an auction and match against Lionel Sams.
And Lewis, who suffers from an incurable brain tumour caused by the rare genetic condition neurofibromatosis type two, loved every minute of it.
On the eve of his eighth birthday today Lewis, his parents, John and Joanne, and 12-year-old brother Damian were guests of honour at the Belroy Hotel on Hull Road and at the Matchplay all week.
Joanne, from Salcombe Avenue, said: "Lewis really loved meeting the players, he was in his element. It is amazing people so famous are happy to do things for Lewis, we can't believe it."
The family once missed out on the Matchplay final because Lewis was at Alder Hey Children's Hospital receiving treatment.
But they were delighted to be offered players' lounge passes on Sunday.
Joanne said: "We had tickets for the final but couldn't go in the end because Lewis needed to be at Alder Hey, so it was unbelievable when we were given VIP tickets.
Lovely
"Phil Taylor was a really lovely guy and was happy to talk to Lewis about darts and the championships. He gave Damian some tips on how to play and was a genuinely nice guy.
"Lewis was a bit overwhelmed by all the people who were there but he did manage to ask Phil a few questions about playing. It was lovely to see them together.
"He was supporting Wes Newton from Fleetwood who gave Lewis his own shirt and he was gutted when he lost. (Newton lost 10-2 to John Part)
"We appreciate the money so much but it is the experience and the generosity of everyone which has blown us all away."
Lewis suffers from a brain tumour which has forced his right eye closed and threatens his sight, hearing and mobility.
The Gazette has told of his parent's bid to find a treatment – sparking an army of kind-hearted fundraisers donating money to help their cause.
Later this summer, the family are using some of the funds to travel to Denmark for Lewis to undergo a mistletoe therapy designed to shrink the tumour, but are still saving for future treatment.
Caroline Sams, wife of darts player Lionel Sams, organised the event on behalf of Lewis.
She said: "Ever since Joanne contacted me to say Lewis was a darts fan I wanted to do something for him.
"So many of the players were touched by his story, I had so many offers of memorabilia for the auction and they still want to do more for Lewis."
n Page 35 – Full darts report
heather.butler@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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