Barry Hearn undergoes prostate surgery and makes demand to others – 'Are you stupid?’
Barry Hearn has revealed how he underwent a prostate procedure after being inspired by The BIGGER 180 campaign.
The initiative – founded by Paddy Power last year – aims to encourage men to get checked for early signs of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer UK is heading the cause in collaboration with the PDC World Darts Championship and sponsor Paddy Power.
On top of hoping thousands of men will use the charity's 30-second online risk checker, the gambling company are donating £1,000 to the charity for every 180 scored at the legendary Alexandra Palace tournament.
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At 76 years of age, Hearn still presides as president of the Professional Darts Corporation and admitted the campaign "nudged" him to get checked. "I got myself checked, and two months ago I had a prostate operation, which has been 100% successful," he said.
"I'm quite health conscious, but that was a nudge I needed. It was the nudge that all men need." The sports promoter has urged men not to be stupid as simply getting checked will take just 30 seconds. "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."
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 is also a key figure in the campaign with the six-time Olympic champion openly discussing his diagnosis of terminal prostate cancer earlier this year.
The 48-year-old Team GB icon also revealed he's been given a prognosis of two to four years left to live. And in a bid to raise awareness, he's been invited to make a special appearance at Ally Pally to present the Ballon d'Art trophy – the award given to the darts player who scores the most 180s during the tournament.
