Cally Cup to raise funds

And next month his family and friends will gather with the support of the Gainsborough community to remember him through a darts tournament.

The Cally Cup, as it has been named, will raise money for the Children’s Hospital Charity, based in Sheffield.

Before Callum died, he was cared for at Sheffield’s paediatric critical care unit.

“It’s an intimate time for parents to be with their children, and let’s be honest no parent should even be going through that – seeing their child so ill in hospital,” said Callum’s dad Martin.

“It was such an awful time for us but the care and support we received from the nurses and staff was amazing.”

“They understood what we were going through. That’s why we want to raise some money for them so that other parents can continue to benefit from the same excellent treatment we received.”

Martin plays in the Gainsborough District Darts League, as do Callum’s two older brothers.

“Callum would probably have joined us in the league at some point,” said Martin.

“I was always looking for my darts after Callum had been playing with them and I’d find them in the garden fence or something.”

On Saturday 5th May the James family invites darts players and anyone who wants to support them to a charity event at the Liberal Club on Ropery Road.

“You don’t have to be a great darts player, just come along to have a bit of fun,” said Pauline.

There will also be a fantastic raffle and auction with a huge stack of prizes to be won.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses who have donated items, and also family and friends who have gone around asking for prizes,” said Pauline.

Up for grabs are a shopping trip to Calais, a Blackberry Playbook, a signed shirt from world darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, a golfing day for four, meals out, tours of Anfield and Old Trafford football grounds, wine and beer hampers and much, much more.

The event starts at 7pm and entry is free. Buffet food will also be available.

It costs £1 to enter the darts knockout competition and the winners will get their own trophy or medal.

The overall winner’s name will be engraved on the Cally Cup, ready to be added to next time.

Pauline said: “Callum was a fun character and we want people to have fun and know they have raised money for a good cause.”

“He would have loved something like this.”