In Coevorden, world top players from the past will be on the stage of conference center De Loo in Coevorden tonight. They participate in a benefit to raise money for the family of the late darts legend Andy Fordham.
The Englishman, also known by his nickname ‘The Viking’, loved coming to Coevorden. In 2004 he became world champion at darts association BDO and shortly afterwards he was already throwing his darts in café De Poort. Albert Lubbelinkhof was then the café owner. “His manager came from Emlichheim, just across the border. You didn’t have many darts cafes there, so they came to us.”
Fordham frequented Lubbelinkhof’s cafe more often and the two became friends. The former world champion, who had been struggling with health problems for years, died in 2021 at the age of 59. “Together with other friends of his, I wanted to organize a benefit where the proceeds go to his family. We are going to make it a kind of reunion, reminiscing about him. Andy was very social, a really good man.”
According to Lubbelinkhof, Fordham did not earn nearly as much during his career as the current generation of darts players. “The prize money used to be much lower. Now darts players earn eight times as much. The money for Andy’s family is really needed. They are having a hard time, it would be nice if they could do some fun things. We would like to support them. “
Some of Fordham’s former colleagues are present in Coevorden tonight, such as Tony O’Shea. “Andy was the nicest man you’ll ever meet. We all know so many funny stories about him,” says O’Shea. “You just have to be here. That’s important.”
Fordham’s widow is also there. She is impressed by everything that is organized for her family. “It’s very emotional. I’m honored by everything and thankful that people still remember Andy. And still love him as much as they always did.”
Lubbelinkhof hopes to raise around 5,000 euros.