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Luke Littler said he was “inspired” by a superfan who fell in love with darts during a serious battle with meningitis.
Littler came into contact with 10-year-old Josh Billingham, who was hospitalized after suffering from the viral illness in late 2023.
His tenure at the hospital coincided with the rise to prominence of Littler and Billingham from Halesowen. West MidlandsBecame a superfan.
Littler read his story online and made the boy’s dream come true by being invited into the draw for the World Championship London On Monday.
The 18-year-old presented Billingham, who has made a full recovery, a signed shirt and also threw some darts with himself.
Littler said: “I saw his story online, to be honest, it really inspired me.
“Apparently, he is battling meningitis and we have invited him here. I was literally scrolling through and saw the story, clicked on it and read.
“I reached out to him, sent him a message and I invited him for the draw.
“It’s one of those things, scrolling, seeing a little boy, I’m his idol. It was a cool story.
“I spoke to him, he wanted to sign his shirt and I gifted him a new shirt and some darts. I think he was very excited to see the draw.”
Billingham’s parents did not surprise their son until the revelation was made during an interview with BBC Radio WM on Monday morning.
His mother Lisa Said: “He was just shocked. I think he would have been happy with a piece of paper in the post with an autograph, but what he has experienced is a whole different level beyond anything else.
“He had viral meningitis. This was the time when Luke Littler was making a name for himself.
“He was in the hospital for over a week and a half – almost two weeks – and then he had a lot of time off from school.
“At that time he really started to get a jump on darts. So he was watching a lot of it and then slowly he started playing.
“And now he plays every day, so whenever he gets a chance, he’ll play darts.”