Rob Cross reveals how darts saved his cousin's life ahead of World Championship

Rob Cross has compelling proof that darts can save your life. The one-time World Championship winner's own family has a special reason to thank title sponsor Paddy Power's support of Prostate Cancer UK at Alexandra Palace, which has so far raised more than £2million for every 180 maximum at the tournament over the last two years.

When Colin Wilde, married to Cross's cousin Pat, resolved to get himself checked out as a result of the bookmaker's campaign to raise awareness of a condition which affects one in eight men, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and saved by urgent treatment.

Cross said: "It's priceless. If you ain't got your health in life, you've got nothing. You can have darts, you can have football, whatever you want in life.

"It could make you a million or a billion and it still don't mean nothing because it's no good being the richest man in the graveyard.

"Look at Chris Hoy, the cyclist - the fittest fellow in the world. By the time he was diagnosed, doctors only gave him two or four years to live.

"Colin saw the publicity about a 30-second test and he had it done. He'd been having a few symptoms or whatever, took the test and then went and got it checked.

"In 2024, he's had to go in to hospital, he's had it out now and it's a blessing that everything's all right.

"Him and Pat are big supporters of mine, so it's a great incentive for me to hit 180s if Paddy Power are giving £1,000 to Prostate Cancer for each one.

"When you want to win, you don't think: 'Oh, there's another grand in the kitty.' I'm more focused on putting the other guy away, but it helps you to be ruthless."

Minibus driver Colin, 59, was diagnosed in October 2024, and just six weeks after surgery to remove his prostate, he watched Cross on the Ally Pally oche, sporting a badge he'd sent him as a Christmas gift.

As well as donating £1,000 for every 180 at the tournament, Paddy Power's £180,000 bonus for every nine-darter at the tournament is back.

For each perfect leg, a cash prize will be split three ways between the player who achieved it, Prostate Cancer UK and one lucky fan in the crowd at Ally Pally.

And one lucky fan who donates to Prostate Cancer UK will get the chance to throw their Darts of Destiny on finals night, with the opportunity to win £180,000 if they hit 180 in nine darts.