Barry Hearn, president of the Professional Darts Corporation, has opened up about his experience with prostate cancer surgery, encouraging men everywhere to prioritize their health checks. At the age of 76, Hearn revealed he underwent the procedure two months ago and labeled it 100% successful. His decision to get checked was significantly influenced by The BIGGER 180 campaign, launched by Paddy Power, aiming to raise awareness for early detection of prostate cancer.
The campaign is set against the backdrop of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. For every 180 scored during the tournament, Paddy Power pledges to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK, hoping to increase awareness and promote health checks among men. Hearn explained, "I got myself checked, and two months ago I had a prostate operation, which has been 100% successful." His candid sharing is aimed at encouraging others to take swift action when it’s needed.
Feeling conscientious about his health, Hearn credited the campaign for providing the necessary nudge. "What does it cost? It don't cost anything. Why wouldn't you? Are you stupid? Do you want to die? It's stupidity not to do something," he said, emphasizing the quick and easy nature of health checks. He urged men not to let their busy lives distract them from their health. "Sometimes we're busy doing other things. But this was the nudge I needed, just to follow up and say, Do you know what? Got a little problem there? Let's get it sorted," Hearn added.
Even after his health scare, Hearn humorously remarked, "as you can see, I still look wonderful!" He stands by the simple yet powerful message: don't wait, don't ignore the signs. Get checked, as it could very well save your life. His message echoes loudly, especially amid growing statistics showing the seriousness of prostate cancer and the need for prompt actions.
Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic champion, is another prominent figure backing The BIGGER 180 campaign, having recently shared his own devastating diagnosis of terminal prostate cancer. He revealed he only had two to four years left to live, underscoring the very real dangers of prostate health issues. Hoy is actively raising awareness by participating at Ally Pally, where he will present the Ballon d'Art trophy, awarded to the darts player scoring the most 180s throughout the tournament.
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, expressed gratitude for the success of The BIGGER 180 campaign, citing almost half a million pounds raised so far. "We're thrilled at the success of The BIGGER 180 campaign and are hugely grateful to Paddy Power, the PDC, and the players for their brilliant efforts bringing it to life," she stated. Kerby reiterated the importance of awareness, emphasizing, "It’s all about knowing the numbers when playing darts, but not enough people are aware of the harsh statistics about prostate health.” With alarming figures such as 1 in 8 men being affected by prostate cancer, the urgency for awareness has never been clearer.
The campaign has proven to be effective, with more than 85,000 individuals completing Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker since the start of the campaign. Over 75% of those checked were identified as high risk—a shocking wake-up call for countless men. Not only is the campaign raising funds, but it's also fostering grassroots awareness about prostate cancer, helping to change lives with each passing event at the championship.
Hearn, a figure well-respected within the darts community, aims to inspire more men to get involved and check their risks through Prostate Cancer UK's easy-to-use checkers. The continuous involvement of influential figures like him and Sir Chris Hoy acts as powerful reminders of the realities men face concerning health issues.
With the campaign still going strong, many will soon be reminded, through thrilling darts games, of the importance of taking proactive steps for one’s health. It speaks volumes about the combination of sport and health activism, showing how moments of entertainment can be merged with life-saving messages. The inherent joy of the World Darts Championship, infused now with the spirit of advocacy against prostate cancer, creates both anticipation for the sports and the shared responsibility to safeguard health.
Barry Hearn's adoption of this message resonates deeply within and beyond the darts community, as he champions the cause with vigor and wit. His story adds layers to the meaning of the competition, encouraging all men to heed the message he espouses: take control of your health and act before it’s too late.
