Barry Hearn has opened up about undergoing a prostate procedure, inspired by The BIGGER 180 campaign.
Launched by Paddy Power last year, the initiative aims to drive men to get checked for early signs of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer UK are leading the charge alongside the PDC World Darts Championship and tournament sponsor Paddy Power.
The campaign also includes a pledge from the betting company to donate £1,000 to the charity for every 180 scored at the iconic Alexandra Palace event.
Hearn, who remains the president of the Professional Darts Corporation at 76 years old, confessed that the campaign gave him the push he needed. “I got myself checked, and two months ago I had a prostate operation, which has been 100% successful,” he revealed.
Hearn acknowledged the importance of the campaign’s influence: “I’m quite health conscious, but that was a nudge I needed. It was the nudge that all men need,” reports Wales Online.
He has since become an advocate for regular health checks, stressing the simplicity and life-saving potential of getting screened. “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.”
In his typical charismatic manner, Hearn added: “As you can see, I still look wonderful! The message is simple don’t wait, don’t ignore the signs. Get checked, it could save your life.”
Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic champion, is also a pivotal figure in the campaign. Earlier this year, he publicly shared his diagnosis of terminal prostate cancer.
The 48-year-old Team GB legend has been given a prognosis of two to four years left to live. In a bid to raise awareness for the campaign, the Scotsman’s been invited to make a special guest appearance at Ally Pally to present the Ballon d’Art trophy to the player who hits the most 180s during the tournament.