Having faced a WWE star during his recent charity challenge, a boxing icon could be next up for darts ace James Wade.
The Daily Star Sport columnist last weekend completed a 501-mile rally in a Ford Focus which cost £501 to raise money and awareness for Bipolar UK. During his tour of the country, Wade stopped off at tyre fitters and took on staff and customers in legs of darts.
One of his opponents was British wrestler Trent Seven, who fought on the WWE’s NXT brand. “He is a good dart player and a great guy,” wrote Wade in his latest Daily Star column.
READ MORE: James Wade took on WWE star while raising thousands during charity rally
Wade received hundreds of messages of encouragement from darts fans and sport stars before, during and after his charity mission. One man particularly inspired by the feat was boxing hero and fellow bipolar sufferer Frank Bruno, who has suggested a match against Wade, albeit with a 400 start.
“Well done to @JamesWade180. Maybe you & me could have a game of darts for charity can I have a 400 start?,” the former world heavyweight champion tweeted. Given the post was retweeted by Wade's account, we could soon see Wade vs Bruno on the oche.
Wade opened up about his mental health challenges during his rally. Speaking about his diagnosis, he said: “Before it all came to a head, in 2007 and 2008, I was probably the best player in the world for those two years consistently.
“I think that darts really pushed me over the edge in my problems. It has given me so much but it has taken just as much as it has given me.
“The pressure of having to perform, and being recognised and earning good money, that is what pushed me over the edge. The job I do puts me under unnecessary pressure a lot that just rocks the boat a little bit too much.”
He is reluctant to see himself as a role model, but insists if he can succeed with the condition, anyone can.
“If I have done what I have done with what I have got anyone can,” added Wade. “Just because you have got any kind of physical or mental illness, if it is the right thing for you it doesn’t stop you from doing things.
How much of a start should James Wade give Frank Bruno if they meet on the oche? Tell us in the comments section.
“People think that other people with mental illness can’t do things, that is a load of nonsense. If you are determined to do something you can do it. It hasn’t stopped me and, if it hasn’t stopped me, anyone can do it, I can assure you of that.
“I honestly think young people need help more. When you are 20 you think you know everything, you think you know who you are but you haven’t got a clue. And then you have bipolar attacking you at the same time. It is hard.”
James Wade is an ambassador for Bipolar UK. To find out more visit www.bipolaruk.org
READ NEXT:
- Read the latest darts from the Daily Star here
- Leicester to host next two World Grand Prix events as PDC weighs up future of darts major
- PDC chief defends Premier League format but reveals minor tweak for 2023
- Darts world champions Van Gerwen and Anderson to collide as World Grand Prix draw is made
- Peter Wright snubs opponent before losing final leg decider at Belgian Darts Open
Source: Read Full Article
