Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby has paid tribute to the stars of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship for their fundraising efforts so far in THE BIG 180 campaign at the event.
Tournament sponsors Paddy Power have pledged to donate £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 hit during the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship as part of THE BIG 180 - which is also urging 180,000 men to use the charity's online risk-checker.
A huge 443 maximums have been hit in 64 matches in the pre-Christmas period, which featured the first and second rounds of darts' biggest event.
A field of 32 players will return after the Christmas break with the record total of 901 in their sights - meaning a potential £1 million donation to Prostate Cancer UK from Paddy Power.
In addition, the individual player who hits the most 180s during the event - therefore raising the most money for Prostate Cancer UK - will win the specially-designed Ballon d'Art trophy.
"As we take a short break for Christmas, I wanted to pay tribute to everyone involved in the hugely successful THE BIG 180 campaign since the start of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship," said Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby.
"In a staggering display of skill, the PDC players have managed to register an incredible 443 180s in the tournament to date. That's 16 sessions of darts and an amazing £443,000 raised so far.
"It's been compelling viewing at the Ally Pally, and thanks to those brilliant efforts from the world's best players, we are making an incredible difference to men, one maximum at a time, and when the action resumes on December 27 we'll be aiming to hit further heights.
"This iconic tournament is a sporting staple across the festive period, and our collaboration with Paddy Power and the PDC has not only put us at the heart of the action, but is a complete gamechanger for us and those men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men.
"We're thrilled at the success of the campaign to date and as well as some sharp shooting from the players, its hugely encouraging that more than 66,000 people have completed our online risk checker.
"1 in 8 men will be affected by prostate cancer. It's a disease that is curable if caught early, but early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so it is vital that men know their risk. This online tool is the first step.
"To see so many people logging on to check out their risk shows this campaign is cutting through, and we'd encourage those who haven’t yet to spend just 30 seconds doing so. It could save your life.
"We thank Paddy Power, the PDC and its players and officials, and of course the fans for all their support.
"We wish everyone involved a happy and healthy Christmas, and can’t wait for the action to resume on Wednesday."