Tain pub throws impromptu darts night in support of life-saving kit fund in memory of Ellie Chapman
An impromptu evening of charity darts and fundraising took in over £700 in a bid to take the number of crucial life-saving devices in Tain in to double figures.
A total of 16 players ended up taking part in a “last minute” knockout tournament at the Star Inn this past Saturday, as funds were raised for Ellie’s D-Fib Fund - set up in memory of local singer Ellie Chapman who passed away a few days after suffering a cardiac arrest last summer.
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Over £6600 has so far been donated via GoFundMe in Ellie’s memory to buy accessible defibrillators for locations in Tain.
A total of nine AED (automated external defibrillator) devices are now located around the town.
The latest funding drive hopes to take that total to 10.
On Saturday, a darts event, organised by patrons Billy Nimmons and Ally Mackintosh at the request of Star Inn landlord Caroline Henderson, raised an impressive £731 for the cause.
That night, Willie Oliphant, who played with Ellie in local band, The Impact, stopped by “for a pint and a throw on the board” and the decision was made to turn the event into a fundraiser.
From there, fundraising efforts were kickstarted with the selling of two football cards just a week before the event.
A raffle was also put together, with generous donations ensuring a range of prizes on offer.
Playing a 301 double-in, double-out knockout format, the final came down to Scott Paton and Stuart Murcar, with Stuart emerging as the champion.
The £100 prize money – split 70/30 between winner and runner-up – was generously donated back into the charity fund.
Beyond the darts, the fundraising continued throughout the night, with a lively karaoke disco and a pound bottle throw that added £70 to the total.
A generous £100 donation from Scotsburn Joinery and Carpentry helped push the final amount even higher.
“I couldn’t believe it when we saw the final total of £731,” Mr Mackintosh said. “I cannot thank everyone enough for coming down and supporting this great cause.
“It’s one close to my heart as The Impact played at my wedding for me and my wife Aimee in 2022.”
Mr Nimmons added: “Ally and I were absolutely rubbish on the day, both going out in the first round, but it was all about having fun and raising money.
“We pulled this together in just a week – next time we’ll be even better prepared and aim to raise even more.”
Rounding off the night’s entertainment, piper Scott Murray from the band Rhythmnreel joined in for a DJ-pipe duet.
The organisers have already confirmed that another charity darts event will be held during the summer.
Mr Mackintosh added: “A huge thank you goes to Caroline Henderson for providing the venue, Scott and Stuart for donating their winnings, Willie from The Impact for doing everything he is doing.
“We also owe a big thanks to Scotsburn Joinery and Carpentry for their generous donation, and to every single person who played, donated, or partied the night away in support of Ellie’s D-Fib fund.”
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