Darts competition organised for a Suffolk dad who died at 35

Wayne Barker was only 35 years old when he felt unwell while playing for Saxmundham Sports FC in 2009 and suddenly died. 

Mr Barker, of Bruisyard, was a father to Jake and Libby, a twin brother to Dean, the son of Roy and Carol Barker, and a good friend to many others. 

Wayne and Dean Barker, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Wayne was a player for Saxmundham Sports FC and the Saxmundham Super League Darts team. 

One of his friends, Carl 'Wilko' Wilkins, said that Mr Barker was "always cheery and happy". 

He added: "Wayne’s death was devastating for the family and the community, as he was only 35.  

Carl Wilkins, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

"I asked his twin brother Dean if I could do a darts competition using Wayne's name on the memorial trophy. 

"He agreed and said it would be a fitting tribute to his brother, and the competition was a great success, with a lot of local dart players turning out. We raised about £350 for a local hospital." 

Wayne Barker who suddenly died at the age of 35 in 2009, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Wayne’s family and friends decided to make the competition an annual event, with funds going to local people in need. 

Mr Wilkins added: "Money raised during the event helped build a safe room in a house for a young lad with brittle bone disease who had some fun in there till he sadly passed away as well as funding a dream holiday for a young girl who suffered a bad spell of cancer." 

The 11th edition of the darts competition will take place on Saturday, May 13, at Kesgrave Social Club and will raise funds for a young girl, Bethany, who has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.

Darts tournament poster, Supplied (Image: Supplied)

The event is going to be live-streamed on the day so everyone can join in the fun even from home. 

The organisers are still looking for sponsors to have their names on the players' shirts and to be in the match day programmes. 

Please contact carlwilkins@hotmail.co.uk for any information.