The world of professional darts has joined forces with Prostate Cancer UK and Paddy Power in an extraordinary partnership that has already raised over £3.25 million for life-changing research and awareness. This powerful collaboration, highlighted by the “Big 180” campaigns at major darts championships, is funding crucial trials like TRANSFORM to develop effective prostate cancer screening. It has also prompted nearly half a million men to check their risk using an online tool. With passionate support from top players, celebrities, and grassroots initiatives, this campaign is saving lives by emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and risk awareness.
The Unlikely Partnership: Darts, Paddy Power, and Prostate Cancer UK
While some articles offer light entertainment, a unique initiative within the darts community is proving to be genuinely life-changing, even life-saving. Since 2023, Prostate Cancer UK has proudly partnered with Paddy Power and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). This alliance has seen world-class darts players raise significant funds for men and their families affected by prostate cancer, one “180” at a time. Over the last three years, this collaboration has transformed the game for men, generating more than £3.25 million amidst thrilling darting drama.
Driving Breakthroughs in Research and Screening
James Steven, Head of Partnerships at Prostate Cancer UK, explains the charity’s vital role:
- Funding Research: As the UK’s largest public funder of prostate cancer research, Prostate Cancer UK is at the forefront of driving breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.
- Future Screening: These breakthroughs are paving the way for a national prostate cancer screening program, which currently doesn’t exist.
- Better Treatment Options: The research aims to provide men with more effective treatment options that have fewer side effects, allowing them to spend more quality time with loved ones.
- Impact of Donations: Every donation directly contributes to funding this life-changing research.
The Heart of the Campaign’s Success: Simplicity and Shared Values
The partnership between Prostate Cancer UK, Paddy Power, and the PDC has quickly become one of the most talked-about charity campaigns in sports. Its success stems from a clear and simple idea, coupled with shared values:
- The “Big 180” Campaigns: For every 180 thrown at the World Darts Championship over the past three years (through “The Big 180,” “The Bigger 180,” and “The Even Bigger 180” initiatives), Paddy Power has generously donated £1,000.
- Funding the TRANSFORM Trial: These funds are directly supporting the groundbreaking TRANSFORM trial. This trial is crucial for finding the best approach to prostate cancer screening, as there is currently no national screening program for men. Earlier this year, the first patients were successfully recruited, marking a huge milestone.
- The Online Risk Checker: Beyond fundraising, the campaign has achieved significant awareness. Nearly half a million men have checked their prostate cancer risk using the charity’s award-winning online risk checker, which takes only 30 seconds to complete.
- Shared Audience and Communication: A key to the campaign’s longevity and impact has been the shared audience with Paddy Power and the ability to use their engaging communication style to encourage discussion about a serious topic.
Impact Beyond the Oche: Funds, Awareness, and Life-Saving Action
The scale of the campaign’s impact has been truly incredible:
- Impressive Fundraising: Over £3.25 million has been raised in total. This includes donations from 180s thrown, nine-darters hit, and, for the first time in 2025, an additional £130,000 raised by the general public through the “Darts of Destiny” campaign.
- Supporting the Patient Journey: These funds enable Prostate Cancer UK to support men at every stage of their prostate cancer journey, starting with encouraging at-risk men to get regular, accurate tests for early detection.
- Reaching High-Risk Men: In the absence of a national screening program, the online risk checker remains the best way for men to assess their risk. The campaign’s success in getting 500,000 men to use this tool is fantastic. Thanks to the wide reach of Paddy Power, the PDC, and Sky Sports, thousands of high-risk men are now aware of their risk and better informed about their next steps.
Players and Personal Stories: The Human Element
The darts players themselves have wholeheartedly embraced the campaign, and their support has been vital:
- Luke Littler’s Contributions: Players have helped raise incredible funds with their sharp-shooting. For example, Paddy Power donated £212,000 specifically for Luke Littler’s 180s alone.
- Luke Humphries’ Advocacy: Beyond the oche, players have played starring roles in raising awareness. 2024 world champion Luke Humphries, whose father-in-law was diagnosed with prostate cancer, has passionately spoken about the disease in the media and made regular donations.
- Rob Cross and Colin Wilde: This year, 2018 champion Rob Cross worked closely with his friend Colin Wilde, who has been diagnosed. The campaign encouraged Colin to share his story, leading to national media appearances with Rob.
- Wider Darts Community Support:
- Referee Charlie Corstorphine wears the Prostate Cancer UK badge in honor of his late grandad, who passed away from the disease.
- Two years ago, PDC Chairman Barry Hearn openly discussed his own prostate cancer journey.
- High-profile celebrity endorsement from Sir Chris Hoy has also boosted the campaign.
- A playful social media video featuring Piers Morgan proved life-saving for one darts fan who was diagnosed after watching it. This single outcome perfectly illustrates the partnership’s unique value: prostate cancer is curable if caught early, and this activation achieved precisely that.
Bullseye’s Creative Contribution to Awareness
The iconic game show “Bullseye” has also been a beloved part of this wider awareness push, adding another layer of creativity to the campaign:
- The Bullseye Taxi Campaign: A Bullseye-branded taxi encouraged men to check their risk while on their journeys, with the risk checker conveniently placed on the flip seats. This increased visibility beyond the main event venues like Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) and significantly prompted action.
- Iconic Mascot and Wider Reach: Filming awareness-raising content with the beloved Bully mascot helped integrate the message into darts culture. The campaign also had a presence at the inaugural Army Darts Championship at Sandhurst, further extending its reach.
Grassroots Momentum: Empowering Local Fundraising
The momentum from the professional stage has successfully carried through into grassroots darts fundraising:
- Community Darts Programme: Prostate Cancer UK is passionate about growing its community darts program, aiming to become the biggest charity in darts.
- Impressive Grassroots Fundraising: Since the launch of “The Big 180” in 2023, fundraisers taking on their own darts challenges have raised over £100,000. Following “The Even Bigger 180” in December 2025, over 250 individuals signed up for their own fundraising efforts.
- Darts of Destiny Giveaway: As a result of Paddy Power’s “Darts of Destiny” dartboard giveaway, pubs and fundraisers now have access to boards, allowing them to focus on fundraising while simultaneously raising awareness with every dart thrown.
The Most Important Message: Check Your Risk!
For all darts fans and their families, the most crucial action to ensure early detection of prostate cancer is simple: Check your risk.
- Key Statistics:
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK.
- One in eight men will get prostate cancer.
- If you are a Black man, your risk is doubled.
- Risk Factors: Your risk of prostate cancer significantly increases if you are:
- Over 50 years old
- Black
- Have a family history of the disease
- Why Early Detection Matters:
- The earlier prostate cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
- Crucially, early prostate cancer often has no symptoms.
- This is why it is incredibly important for all men to understand their risk and know what steps they can take.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
