Matchroom president Barry Hearn has disclosed that, inspired by the BIGGER 180 campaign launched by Prostate Cancer UK and Paddy Power, he underwent successful prostate surgery ahead of the World Darts Championship. The initiative aims to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK, with Paddy Power pledging £1,000 for each 180 scored at the Alexandra Palace during this year’s event.. The iconic Hearn, previously at the helm of the PDC for nearly two decades, spoke about how the campaign encouraged him to get a health check. “I got myself checked, and two months ago I had a prostate operation, which has been 100 per cent successful,” said the 76-year-old.. He expressed his views on the importance of health checks, adding: “I’m quite health conscious, but that was a nudge I needed. It was the nudge that all men need.”. ALSO READ: Emotional Luke Littler shows true colours with message in World Championship win. ALSO READ: Supercomputer predicts whether Luke Littler will win PDC World Championship title. “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. Sometimes we’re busy doing other things. But that was a nudge I needed, just to follow up and say; ‘Do you know what? Got a little problem there? Let’s get it sorted’.”. Hearn is also advocating for increased awareness – and action – recommending that other men heed his example and use Prostate Cancer UK’s convenient risk checker to understand their probability of developing prostate cancer. Reflecting on his own recovery, Hearn went on: “As you can see, I still look wonderful!” He also stressed the critical message: “The message is simple – don’t wait, don’t ignore the signs. Get checked, it could save your life.”. Laura Kerby, CEO at Prostate Cancer UK, expressed her delight at the success of The BIGGER 180 campaign, saying: “With almost half a million pounds raised so far – and incredible awareness too – we’re thrilled at the success of The BIGGER 180 campaign and are hugely grateful to Paddy Power, the PDC and the players for brilliant efforts bringing it to life.”. She also highlighted the impact of the campaign on raising awareness about prostate health, adding: “We’re also proud this life changing campaign has reached the very top of the PDC and thank you to Barry Hearn for being so open about his health issues, triggered by completing the Prostate Cancer UK online risk checker.”. Kerby then emphasised the importance of understanding the risks associated with prostate cancer.. She went on: “It’s all about knowing the numbers when playing darts, but not enough people are aware of the harsh statistics about prostate health. 1 in 8 men will be affected by prostate cancer, so it’s vital that every man knows his risk.. “It’s incredible to see more than 85,000 people have now completed our simple online risk checker since the start of this year’s campaign – and more than 75 per cent of those are high risk. So, there is little doubt we are making a huge impact via the darts community.”
