Former BDO world darts champion and Sky Sports pundit Mark Webster has announced that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called hairy cell leukaemia.
The 42-year-old Welshman revealed that he received the diagnosis on January 8 and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment since February, which has kept him away from darts broadcasting and tournament coverage in recent months.
Webster, a familiar face on Sky Sports and ITV darts coverage, explained that his recovery has been slower than expected due to persistently low white blood cell counts, leaving his immune system weakened and making it unsafe for him to work in crowded environments.
Speaking during an interview with Darts World, Webster admitted the diagnosis initially came as a shock but stressed that the illness carries a strong treatment prognosis. He revealed that around 95 per cent of cases respond successfully to treatment and expressed hope of eventually entering remission.
The former world champion said fatigue and extreme tiredness were the first warning signs before medical tests, including blood work and a bone marrow biopsy, confirmed the presence of cancerous cells.
Webster last worked during the Premier League Darts event in Newcastle on February 5 before stepping away from his regular punditry duties. He had initially hoped to return sooner, including targeting an appearance at the Brighton Premier League night, but low blood counts forced another delay.
Despite the frustration of being sidelined, Webster remains optimistic and says he is trusting the recovery process under the guidance of his medical team. The Welshman continues to undergo weekly blood tests and specialist consultations as doctors monitor his progress.
Webster won the BDO World Darts Championship in 2008 before later becoming one of the most respected analysts and commentators in the sport following his retirement from professional darts in 2019.
The darts community has since rallied around Webster, with fans, players and fellow broadcasters sending messages of support and wishing him a speedy recovery.
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