Broadcaster and former world darts champion Mark Webster has posted a positive update following the recent revelation he had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. The 42-year-old, from St Asaph in north Wales, was diagnosed with hairy cell leukaemia in January and has been undergoing chemotherapy.
The 2008 BDO world champion has been absent from television coverage since February, but told social media followers he was 'delighted' to say 'things have improved' and he will be back on screen at PDC Premier League Night 15 in Birmingham this week. 'Although I'm still undergoing treatment, I have been cleared to return to Premier League duty on Thursday,' Webster wrote. 'Looking forward to being back amongst it. Thanks again for all of the love and support.'
Hairy cell leukaemia is a rare type of chronic blood cancer that mostly affects middle-aged adults, but most people have normal life expectancy with treatment. Before his diagnosis the Welsh left-hander said he felt 'really fatigued' and 'was getting very tired'. A popular figure in the sport, he works as a commentator and analyst on events for both Sky Sports and ITV but had not been seen on screen since Premier League night one in February.
Meanwhile Welsh darts star Gerwyn Price has told his social media followers his absence from the upcoming World Cup, which is being held in Frankfurt from 11-14 June, is not down to health reasons. Price has previously teamed up with Jonny Clayton to win the event on two occasions. On Thursday, 7 May, Price told Sky Sports: 'Just health wise I'm not in a great place at the moment. I'm just battling on at the moment and searching for results and hopefully in the next few weeks that will come and put me at ease and I'll be able to enjoy darts again.' He has since posted on social media to say: 'Just to clarify I have NOT withdrawn from the World Cup because of health reasons.' Nick Kenny will make his debut when he joins Clayton to represent Wales in Germany.
