North East darts hero Chris Dobey – and other big names in the sport such as his fellow Bedlington lad Callan Rydz – are doing their bit to tackle prostate cancer this Christmas.
For every 180 the likes of Chris or Callan hit, bookmaker Paddy Power will donate £1,000 to Prostrate Cancer UK. This is a reboot of last year’s partnership, now known as the BIGGER 180, between the two organisations at the PDC World Darts Championship. Newcastle’s Ryan Joyce is also among the competitors taking part.
Last year, Chris’s 43 maximum 180s meant he contributed the third-most to the £1m raised for the charity – and with 6,376 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the North East and Yorkshire, that money is much needed. Chris – whose nickname is Hollywood – will be looking to make it further than last year, when he made it to the quarter-finals.
He said: “It’s great that The BIGGER 180 is back this year. It’s a fantastic cause and a fantastic charity and I was delighted to help raise £43,000 last time round.
“With £1,000 donated for every 180 this festive season, plus a brilliant bonus for a 9-darter, hopefully I can raise even more. I’ve done a lot for Prostate Cancer UK in the past and know supporter Tracey Fletcher, who has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness. I heard she was closing in on £500,000 raised which is absolutely incredible.
“I’m proud to wear the charity’s ‘Man of Men’ pin badge and know how important it is that men understand the risk of this disease. Thanks to Paddy Power for their support and I can’t wait to get started.”
Chris starts his campaign against Alexander Merkx on Saturday, hoping to add to the £281,000 already raised since the tournament began. The charity is hoping that the event can inspire at least 180,000 men to take its life-saving online risk-checker – which takes just 30 seconds.
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re absolutely delighted Paddy Power is taking things to the next level with The BIGGER 180 and their support for Prostate Cancer UK. Last year’s campaign was a staggering success – raising an incredible £1 million, getting record numbers checking their risk and making a huge impact for men and their loved ones.
“With The BIGGER 180, we’re aiming to reach even more men right across the UK. And the funds we raise will help us move one step closer to a future where all men are invited for regular, accurate tests – which could save thousands of lives.”
This year’s donation is expected to exceed the £1m raised by Paddy Power in 2023/24, and funds will support Prostate Cancer UK’s TRANSFORM trial, a groundbreaking research project that will find the best way to diagnose prostate cancer early and pave the way for a national screening programme.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/bedlington-darts-hero-chris-dobey-30633493
