Hitting the bullseye at top darts event
I usually create my own opportunities to spread awareness about prostate cancer and living your best life to schools, clubs and businesses. However, just before I left for my ultra marathon in Cambodia, I was offered the chance to get involved with the Paddy Power World Darts Championship draw for the tournament starting at Alexandra Palace this week.
Not sure what to expect when I turned up with guys from Prostate Cancer UK, my trepidation was instantly put at ease as we were warmly welcomed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). They gave us access to the players who were there and we spent time interviewing the likes of current world number one Michael ‘Bully Boy’ Smith, Michael ‘Mighty Mike’ van Gerwen, Gerwyn ‘The Iceman’ Price and Fallon ‘Queen of the Palace’ Sherrock.
I was impressed with how receptive they were to the message that one in eight men get prostate cancer. While I was there, several people came up to me to tell me how the disease had touched their families and friends.
One of the things I wanted to get across was how important it is the players are seen wearing the Man of Men badge for Prostate Cancer UK. Yes it’s only a badge but it may just be the catalyst to get some of the millions of men watching the event live or on TV to go to the risk checker at prostatecanceruk.org/180risk, or straight to the doctors if they have any symptoms.
The icing on the cake was when Paddy Power said they’ll give the charity £1,000 for every 180 scored at the championship. Last year, there were over 900 maximums, so let’s hope the players surpass 1,000 of them this time.
Paddy Power also gave me a platform to share my story beyond those at the event so I too can continue to make a difference the only way I know.
If you are watching the darts over the next couple of weeks watch out for those badges and maybe think whether you, or a male friend you know, need to do the risk checker!
‘‘ Paddy Power will give £1,000 to charity for every 180 scored