A JOHNSTONE man who has been battling prostate cancer for more than a year aims to raise lots of cash for charity by staging a celebrity darts tournament.

Paul Kennedy will host the event at the Royal British Legion, in Renfrew Road, Paisley, on Friday, October 28, with the proceeds being donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Having played the sport for more than 40 years, Paul is vice-chair of the Paisley and District Darts League.

Now he will use his darts connections to give something back to the Beatson for the treatment and support he has received from staff there since last year.

Paul, 58, told The Gazette: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer just over a year ago.

“I want to raise as much money as I can to help others going through the same treatment I went through.

“The staff at the Beatson do a fantastic job. From the receptionist to radiographers to oncologists, the work they do is first class.”

Paul hopes to recruit some of the biggest names in darts, including former World Championship quarter-finalist Paul Hanvidge, from Barrhead.

The aim is to match 12 leading darts players against celebrities and stars from other sports, including football, rugby, pool and martial arts.

Invites have gone out to Celtic, Rangers and St Mirren, as well as the Glasgow Warriors rugby team, to send representatives.

Paul has undergone 20 radiotherapy sessions since his cancer diagnosis but is hopefully now on the road to recovery.

He is married with two children and works as a shift leader with a major supermarket chain.

Paul added: “It was a worrying period for me after the diagnosis but staff at the Beatson were very supportive.

“I still get hormone injections every three months but I’m making good progress. I also have someone phone me from the Beatson every week as part of a befriending service.

“I am appealing to anyone who wishes to donate towards or take part in the fundraiser to get in touch with me or the Beatson.”

Paul can be reached on 0770 782 3600 or paulkennedy51@yahoo.com.