AN ANNUAL charity darts tournament is being set up in memory of a Tiptree man who died in a traffic collision last year.

Phillip Gunfield died in an accident while driving his tractor on the A13 in September.

The Philip Gunfield Memorial Trophy is the brain child of Phillip’s daughter in law, Moir.

The trophy will see darts teams compete against each other to claim first prize with all proceeds going to the Essex Air Ambulance.

Moir explained the thinking behind the trophy: “Phil was my father-in-law. He was an amazing man. His tragic passing left many heartbroken and shocked.

“We lost a loving husband, souldmate, dad, grandad, great-grandad and friend. He has two sons; Andrew and Martin, five grandchildren; Simon, Heather, Evie, Nathan and Joseph, and a great-grandchild; George.

“At his funeral we raised over £600 for the Essex Air Ambulance and £1,500 which went on a woodland in his memory. Over 60 family and friends planted around 1,100 trees back in February.

“Phil lived in Tiptree with his wife, Pam. They would have been married 50 years this March and were together from school.

“After Phil’s accident, Essex Air Ambulance took him to Royal London but unfortunately he couldn’t be saved and died only two hours after the accident.

“Anything we raise is a bonus to such a great service. You truly do not appreciate it is there until you have needed it.”

Phil played darts for The Anchor pub, on Station Road, Tiptree, where the event will be held.

The first annual Phillip Gunfield Memorial Trophy will take place on Friday, September 30 at 8pm.

If you want to take part, entry is £5 per pair. Registration opens at 7pm on the night.

If you’re not interested in playing but would still like to donate, organisers are looking for raffle prizes to giveaway.

Raffle tickets are also available to buy at £1 strip by contacting Moir Gunfield on 01621 744333.