A cancer-stricken dad has thanked generous pub drinkers who have helped raise more than £600 to help support his family.

Friends of Alfie Simm, 26, competed in a 12-hour darts marathon at the Swiss Chalet pub in Gorse Hill, to raise funds for the popular Swindon drummer.

Dad-of-two Alfie, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in March after battling a mystery illness that saw him lose more than six stone in just 18 months.

A first phase of chemotherapy failed and now Alfie, who until recently was drummer in Swindon band the Groove Radicals, faces a stronger course of treatment in Swindon and Oxford.

Alfie’s illness has forced him to take time off work. It’s placed a burden on wife Alison, 10-year-old stepson Jamie and daughter Frankie, 13 months.

Pal Ivan Malcolm-Stewart, 50, organised the 12-hour darts marathon at the Swiss Chalet on Saturday afternoon. For darts captain Ivan it meant missing his own 50th birthday party.

“Alfie is my best mate. When I heard the news I was devastated. The family is obviously going to struggle and I want to do anything that we can in this time of need.”

The darts match raised £628.50 to support Alfie Simm’s family. It will be added to a £1,200 sum that friends have already given through donations website Justgiving.

Alfie, who joined his former drinking mates at the Swiss Chalet for part of Saturday’s darts marathon, said: “It was just really nice to see everyone really rooting for the cause. We had a lot of people coming and asking what was going on.

“I had a go at playing darts in the afternoon. But I didn’t do that well.”

Alfie, who is starting a new round of chemotherapy treatment this week, added; “It’s hard at the moment. I’m struggling with the pain.”

Wife Alison thanked those who have donated towards the family’s appeal: “It’s a couple of months’ rent paid.”

A music evening to raise money for Alfie Simm’s family is planned for Saturday 1 July at the Swiss Chalet, 12pm – 11pm. To donate to the appeal, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alison-simm.