‘THE Artist’ of darts, PDC World Darts Championship runner-up Kevin Painter, came to Okehampton on Saturday Night (June 3) for a charity exhibition match to raise money for a hospital ward close to the hearts of a Lewdown family.

Organised by Crystal Jordan and Chris Back, the event raised money for Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — a ward which helped their new born baby through a very difficult time.

Chris and Crystal’s son Jax was born on December 12 and weighed only 988g — just over 2lbs — meaning his first few hours were critical.

After overcoming some difficult days, Jax was then diagnosed with sepsis on December 23.

He spent more than two months battling illness in the NICU, but after 66 days he finally become well enough to be taken home by his over-joyed parents.

Crystal, who works at the London Inn, said her boss Simon Chudley had managed to secure the special guest appearance from professional darts player Kevin Painter to make for an ‘amazing’ evening which raised £4,245 on the evening, with the dartboard used still to be auctioned off.

She said: ‘Thank you to Simon for organising and pulling off such a brilliant night, to everyone who helped me with the raffle, which raised £2,000 alone!

‘Between my family and Jax’s godparents, he’s an incredibly lucky boy to be surrounded by the incredible support we received during our journey through hell. It was so difficult but they helped more than they will ever know.’

Known to many fans of the sport by his nickname ‘The Artist’, Painter was the runner-up in the 2004 PDC World Darts Championship, losing a classic final to darts icon Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

Painter’s one major PDC title to date is the Players Championship Finals in 2011. He has also appeared on classic game show Bullseye.

All of the money raised will be donated to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital’s NICU — which provides crucial care and treatment for very small or unwell babies.