International darts champion becomes mental health charity patron

Former eight-name world darts champion James Wade has joined forces with Bipolar UK in an effort to raise the profile of the condition he was diagnosed with 4 years ago.

Ahead of beginning his campaign to win a ninth Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) title this week [20 Dec], Wade announced his role as a patron of the charity will see him "committed to increasing awareness of the illness".

“I feel privileged to have been asked to become a patron for Bipolar UK. I was diagnosed as having bipolar 4 years ago and I believe that with help and support, people with bipolar can lead a full and active life like myself and achieve any goal that you set your mind to.”

Wade has combatted the severe mental illness characterised by extreme mood swings, from manic highs to suicidal lows to become the second most successful player in the history of the PDC, and Bipolar UK's chief executive believes his achievements are "an inspiration".

Suzanne Hudson said: "It is fantastic to have James as a patron. He joins us at a time when awareness of this complex illness is rising and demand for our services is at a record high and increasing. James is an inspiration to the millions of people affected by bipolar in the UK today."