John Henderson has spoken publicly for the first time about a challenging period in his life. The 53-year-old Scot was told he had a tumour in his kidney, which ultimately proved to be cancerous. Henderson has since undergone surgery and is now focused fully on his health and darts career. The former World Cup winner has also lost an impressive 45 kilograms.

Henderson, who won the 2021 World Cup of Darts alongside Peter Wright, is currently working to return to the highest level. The Scot regularly competes in the MODUS Super Series and hopes to win back a PDC Tour Card at Q-School early next year.

In recent years, however, ‘The Highlander’ has focused mainly on his health. He began losing weight during the coronavirus pandemic and managed to improve his type 2 diabetes. A much more serious health problem emerged later.

“They found a tumour in my kidney”

Henderson says doctors found a tumour in his kidney, making surgery necessary. “They found a tumour in my kidney and I had to get it removed and it was, unfortunately it was cancer,” the Scot said.

Fortunately, Henderson can now look back on his treatment with optimism. “We're all good with that, we've gotten over that. I've had the op, we got the tumour removed and [I'm] 100 per cent fit trying to lose some more weight.”

The former professional darts player has made major changes to his lifestyle in recent years, with impressive results on the scales. “I think I've lost just over seven stone in total. I'm going walking. I'm doing the right things. I’m eating healthier, I'm doing a lot more exercise. And I feel a lot better for it.”

By his own account, his health is now in a good place. The next challenge is to rediscover his old level at the oche. “I'm in a good place with my health now so it's just a case of getting the darts back on track which I'm working hard to do.”

As one of the nine Contenders in the 2019 Premier League, John Henderson produced one of the most emotional and memorable moments in the tournament’s history in Aberdeen, drawing 6–6 with Michael van Gerwen.

Henderson’s trademark throw has changed

His weight loss has also affected the way Henderson throws his darts. The Scot has long been known for his distinctive throwing action, rocking his body back and forth before releasing a dart.

Henderson says spectators have noticed that the characteristic movement is now less pronounced. “People are saying to me that I'm not rocking as much. But to be fair, in my head I don't rock anyway. So people are telling me that I'm not rocking,” he laughed.

Henderson has also made a change to his equipment. “I've actually reduced the grammage in my darts. I'm throwing 23s instead of 24s now. So that's been a bit of a change.”

The Scot says he is still adapting his game to his changed physique. “I think I've adapted a wee bit. But no, no, it's taking time. But we're getting there.”

Henderson admires the new generation

Henderson is aiming to win back his PDC Tour Card in early 2027. That would give him another chance to take on the best players in the world.

The Scot follows developments in darts closely and is especially impressed by the standard set by the new generation. “You just wonder when the sport is going to peak. It just felt to another level. Michael van Gerwen was another level. I thought it can't get any higher. Then you had Luke Humphries coming along, Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton.”

Henderson is particularly impressed by the fearlessness of young talents. Alongside Littler, he also names Archie Self and fellow Scot Mitchell Lawrie. “They're all providing massive averages. It's consistently as well... they've got no fear.”

According to Henderson, the young talents barely worry about the pressure that comes with big matches. “They just go on the board. They just go on and get the job done.”

The Scot, however, sees that progress as overwhelmingly positive. “It's scary what they're doing. As I say, the future of darts is looking very rosy.”