CHRIS Hoy has praised Paddy Power for donating more than £1 million to Prostate Cancer UK at the World Darts Championship.
As part of the betting company’s ‘Bigger 180’ campaign, brand ambassador Hoy was at Alexandra Palace in London to present newly crowned World Champion Luke Littler with the Ballon D'Art trophy for nailing the most 180s of the tournament.
Paddy Power donated £1,027,000 for Prostate Cancer UK as a result, surpassing last year’s £1m donation.
The Bigger 180 campaign donated £1000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 scored - along with a £180,000 bonus split between the charity, a fan in the crowd and the player themselves for every 9-darter thrown during the tournament.
This year’s 180 count added up to 907, along with two 9-darters from Christian Kist and Damon Heta, adding an extra £120,000 to the donation.
The funds will be used to help support Prostate Cancer UK's Transform trial which aims to make prostate cancer screening a reality.
Hoy said in a statement "When it comes to their health, men go quiet. That has to change. Checking your risk takes just 30 seconds, and it could save your life."
He continued, "The huge sum Paddy Power are donating will make a big difference to the lives of thousands of men. It’s a huge step forward and we are now one big step closer to making a long-lasting and meaningful change to men's health.
“Around 40% of men who currently die from prostate cancer could be saved by a screening programme. The response to early-stage treatment is really good, but without noticeable symptoms, effective screening is the only way of detecting it in time to save lives.
"The Transform trial aims to find the best way to test men for prostate cancer, so we can be sure which is the most effective method for a nationwide screening programme that could save thousands of lives every year. This massive cash injection can have an impact on men's lives for years to come.
"When it comes to their health, men go quiet. That has to change. Checking your risk takes just 30 seconds, and it could save your life."
Hoy announced his terminal cancer diagnosis October last year, revealing that a tumour was found in his shoulder and a second scan found primary cancer in his prostate, which spread to his bones.
