Mark Webster battling rare cancer as Sky Sports star gives update | Other | Sport

Darts commentator Mark Webster has revealed he has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called hairy cell leukaemia. The former British Darts Organisation (BDO) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) star stepped away to deal with a medical condition earlier this year.

Webster had revealed in March that he would be reassessed in a month and was ‘eager’ to return to work. However, it now emerges that his recovery following the diagnosis is not going at the speed he would like it to. Webster was a regular feature of coverage of Premier League darts before being forced to step away for the new season. The 42-year-old Welshman had kept details of his illness private but now spoken out.

He said: “On January 8th, I was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer called hairy cell leukaemia. It’s got a good prognosis, 95% of cases are successful.

“I will put it into some sort of remission at some point but the recovery at the minute is not going to plan in terms of the speed of it. It’s not the worst case scenario but it’s just a bit frustrating for me at the minute but I’m managing okay, I’m dealing with it alright.”

After a successful sporting career that saw him win the BDO World Championship in 2008 and twice make the semi-final of the PDC equivalent, Webster moved from the oche into broadcasting six years ago. He has since worked for Sky Sports and ITV Sport, providing commentary and analysis from the studio.

The commentator used his new vocation as a way of staying close to darts. Having spent time battling dartits, Webster chose not to participate in Q School in 2020 to regain the tour card he lost.

Initially he planned to return to competition but he enjoyed being behind the microphone and loves ‘being able to be with friends and watch the sport’.

Speaking in March, Webster acknowledged that he was undergoing treatment that was seeming to yield positive results.

“Yeah, something cropped up, I’m having a bit of treatment, slowly it seems to be working,” he told Sky Sports. “Hopefully another month it will be reassessed and I’ll be hoping to get back. I’ve missed far too much already. At least I get to chat to you guys, I have to be involved.

“I appreciate it,” he added. “I’ve had some nice messages over social media, it’s been really nice. As much as I like watching the darts, it’s not the same as being involved so I’m eager to get back.”