Jacklin set for televised debut

The Gainsborough women has been awarded a wildcard entry into the World Trophy Event, a prestigious tournament at Blackpool Tower starting on 4th February.

Jacklin is currently ranked sixth in England, and 15th in the world, and will play in the final 16 of the Trophy, an event televised by Eurosport.

BDO events are the organisers for the Daily Mirror sponsored competition, which boasts one of the biggest paydays in darts – £115,400.

For Jacklin it will be a nerve wracking moment, but a dream come true.

“I have fallen at the final hurdle so many times, to get the chance to play on TV,” she said.

“I’ve never been given anything in my life and this is just the best thing to happen to me in darts.”

“I’ve been playing for 42 years and this is the first time I’ve ever been live on television, I’ll definitely be a bit nervous.”

And Jacklin has decided to share her good fortune, with a grand gesture.

She explained: “After seeing a nurse collecting for Cancer Support in a restaurant on Christmas Eve I was inspired.”

“It was freezing cold and this lady was on her own time, I thought how dedicated this was, and wondered what could I do to help.”

So the darts star has pledged to dedicate her time in the Trophy event, along with her winnings, and any sponsorship money, to Cancer support, Macmillan and Marie Curie.

She’s calling on local businesses to get behind her fundraising efforts.

“If any companies would like to see their name or their logo on my shirt, and in the event programme, the proceeds will all be donated to the chosen charities,” she said.

Jacklin can be contacted on 07903 865058.

She’ll be back in action for Lincolnshire this weekend, away at Cornwall, before a home encounter at the Blues Club in Gainsborough on 2nd March.