A marathon of a different sort took place at the Kicking Dickey pub on Saturday, as one man endeavoured to play darts for an incredible 12 hours. Kevin Cornwell took on the challenge from 11am on Saturday morning and, helped out by friends and family, suc

A marathon of a different sort took place at the Kicking Dickey pub on Saturday, as one man endeavoured to play darts for an incredible 12 hours.

Kevin Cornwell took on the challenge from 11am on Saturday morning and, helped out by friends and family, succeeded in raising over £1000 for the Dunmow and District Stroke Club.

Mr Cornwall said: "I was in agony on Monday after playing for so long, but it is for a really good cause, and one that I'm close to after my wife Mandy suffered a stroke a few years ago when she was just 30 years old."

During the stint at the oche he managed to hit five maximum 180's and see off challenges from pub regulars and passers by.

"It was a really good laugh all day, I cannot thank the people at the pub enough for the time they spent with me, especially Mandy, Jenny and little Kev, everyone really kept me going."

During the evening a raffle was held to boost the fundraising total with prizes ranging from free meals at most of the pubs around Dunmow to wine and chocolates. Mr Cornwell thanked all the high street shops and offices who had kindly donated prizes to make the evening a rousing success.

Mr Cornwell said: "We had a great disco after I had finished, it was difficult to get me on the dance floor though because my joints were already starting to hurt. It is great though because I will be walking it off this week knowing that more money is still coming in."

He will be presenting the cash to stroke club chairman Philip Milne at a special dinner at the Blake House craft centre in July but anyone wishing to make donations can do so by dropping cash into the Kicking Dickey. Mr Cornwell said: "I will be doing this again next year and possibly adding a 12 hour pool competition to go along side it, I cant thank Mark Brooks [Landlord] enough for providing such a great venue.