ASPINALL REVEALS BELOVED GRANDAD IS BATTLING PNEUMONIA

NATHAN ASPINALL has revealed his beloved grandad is in hospital “in a bad way” as he battles pneumonia and asbestosis.

The Asp revealed he withdrew from the recent Players Championship events to visit his grandad in hospital.

World No14 Aspinall made the emotional admission as he opened up on the incredible bond they share.

He told the Happy Hour Podcast: “I’m living his dream and he’s lived it with me.

“He’s got pneumonia at the moment in hospital. He’s got asbestosis in his lungs. He is in a bad way.

“I pulled out of the ProTour to go and see him tomorrow, hopefully he gets through. But yeah, he was a good dart player. He’s been so proud of me.”

The Stockport thrower then recalled the magical memories they shared together at the UK Open in 2014, five years before he became a major champion himself.

He added: “My grandad had never been to watch live darts.

“He’d always watched it on TV. So, I worked out it was his 60th, so it was 12 years ago.

“So anyway, we got tickets for Minehead. We went down in one of those lovely lodges that Butlin’s Minehead had to offer.

“We were on the back row of the tiered seating right at the back, next to the climbing frame.

“I had just started playing county at the time.

“So anyway, we were on the back seat. I couldn’t see anything and got absolutely bladdered for three days with my grandad.

“Didn’t sleep a wink because he was snoring all weekend. But I remember saying to him, ‘One day, I’m telling you now, I’m going to play on that stage.’

“He was like, ‘Okay, yeah, I hope you do.’

“Honestly, I’m telling you now, one day I’m going to play on that.”

Aspinall then fulfilled that promise in spectacular fashion as he lifted the UK Open title in 2019 with his Grandad watching on.

He continued: “My grandad came up with me. He hadn’t been since we went as fans. Then he watched me lift the UK Open trophy.

“When I won the whole thing I was 500-1. My mate, because I was still working at the time, put a tenner on it.

“You know, I was close to my dad, and I love my dad to bits, my mum and all that. But it was right that he was there.”

Aspinall also revealed his grandad unexpectedly became a cult hero among darts fans after his emotional rise to the top.

He said: “I never thought from that moment he kind of became a bit of a celebrity in the darts world.

“Everyone f****** knew him. But honestly, like he’d go shopping.

“People asking him for pictures. True story, on a plane he’s been asked for pictures. Wow.

“‘You’re Nathan’s grandad, aren’t you?’ ‘Yeah.’

“‘Oh, you’re great. I love you. Can I have a picture?’

“Honestly, everyone loves him. He’s buzzing.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.