‘Know how much it will mean to them’ – Luke Littler makes heartwarming decision after winning World Grand Prix
Heartwarming Gesture: Luke Littler Donates £10,000 to Motor Neurone Disease Association After World Grand Prix Win
In a move that has captured hearts across the darts world, Luke Littler has announced a touching donation of **£10,000 to the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association** from his £120,000 winner’s prize at the 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix. The 18-year-old sensation, who clinched his first Grand Prix title with a dominant 6-1 victory over world No. 1 Luke Humphries on October 12 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, revealed the heartwarming decision on social media just hours after lifting the trophy, crediting tournament sponsor BoyleSports for matching fan contributions. “Want to thank BOYLE Sports who pledged a donation of £20 for every double 20 hit during the World Grand Prix and boosted it to £10k for a charity of my choice,” Littler posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I chose the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Know how much it will mean to them.”
The Donation: BoyleSports Boosts Fan Pledges
The initiative, launched by BoyleSports pre-tournament, promised £20 for every double 20 hit by players throughout the £600,000 event. Littler’s blistering run—featuring 10 180s (many on D20) in the final alone—helped push the initial tally to £8,080, but BoyleSports rounded it up to **£10,000** for Littler’s selected cause. The MND Association, the UK’s leading charity for the progressive neurodegenerative disease, provides vital care, research funding, and support for patients and families. Littler’s choice carries deep resonance within darts, as Stephen Bunting—whom Littler defeated 3-2 in the quarterfinals—has been fundraising for the association since his father Bob’s diagnosis in 2023, raising over £50,000 via JustGiving.
“This is incredible—Luke’s gesture means the world to us and the community,” said an MND Association spokesperson in a statement. “Every pound helps fund research and care for those living with MND.” Bunting, the 2014 BDO World Champion, replied to Littler’s post: “Unreal, Luke—your heart’s as big as your game. Thanks from me and Dad.” The donation could fund clinical trials or equipment for families, amplifying the impact of darts’ charitable spirit.
Littler’s Grand Prix Masterclass: The £120,000 Payday
Littler’s path to the donation was paved with dominance at the Grand Prix, his first deep run after first-round exits in 2023 and 2024:
– **Round 1**: 2-0 over Gian van Veen (3-1, 3-2; 105.58 average vs. van Veen’s record 106.47).
– **Round 2**: 3-0 over Mike De Decker (3-1, 3-1, 3-1; 98.45 average, 100% double-in rate).
– **Quarterfinals**: 3-2 comeback vs. Gerwyn Price (101.23 average, 154 checkout amid Price’s ricochet miss).
– **Semifinals**: 5-1 over Jonny Clayton (97.26 average, 10 180s).
– **Final**: 6-1 over Humphries (102.15 average—the highest in a TV major final—10 180s, 151 and 121 checkouts, holding all 11 throw legs).
“This is the best I’ve played in this format,” Littler said post-final, his fourth major of 2025 after the Triple Crown (£1.5 million+ earnings). The victory evens his major finals record against Humphries at 3-3 and boosts his PCOM to 42nd (£181,500), £70,000 behind Humphries’ £1.68 million Order of Merit lead—the closest since April.
Girlfriend Faith Millar’s ecstatic celebration—leaping into hugs with Littler’s family after the 151 opener—went viral (1.2 million views on X under #LittlerFaith), a heartwarming highlight of the night.
Why MND? Littler’s Personal Connection
Littler’s choice of the MND Association stems from his deep ties to the darts community and admiration for Bunting’s resilience. Bunting’s father Bob was diagnosed in 2023, and the PDC star has raised over £50,000 through fundraisers and awareness campaigns. Littler, who defeated Bunting 7-4 in the semifinals with a 109 average and 161 checkout, called it “a small way to give back—Stephen’s a warrior, and his family’s inspiring.” Bunting replied: “Unreal, Luke—your heart’s as big as your game. Thanks from me and Dad.”
The donation aligns with Littler’s growing philanthropy: In January 2025, post-Worlds win (£500,000), he gifted cash to brother Leon for his 21st birthday. His first “big purchase”? A simple bag for his Xbox—prioritizing family over flash amid his £2.5 million+ net worth from endorsements (Target Darts, boohooMAN, Xbox). Self-managing post-ZXF split, with family and Target Darts’ Garry Plummer, Littler’s grounded: “Family and Faith keep me humble—giving back matters.”
Littler’s 2025: A Year of Fire and Generosity
Littler’s Grand Prix path was flawless: 2-0 over van Veen (105.58 average), 3-0 over De Decker (98.45), 3-2 over Price (101.23), and 5-1 over Clayton (97.26). The final 6-1 over Humphries (102.15 average) added £120,000 to his £1.67 million 2025 haul (Worlds £500k, Premier League £275k, Matchplay £200k). PCOM at 42nd (£181,500), he’s £70k behind Humphries’ £1.68 million No. 1 lead.
Fans on X praised under #LittlerMND: “£10k to MND? Nuke’s a legend—darts doing good!” (150k likes). The PDC highlighted: “Darts Doing Good—thanks to Boyle and Luke.”
Littler’s MND donation isn’t just money—it’s heart. As he eyes the US Darts Masters (£30k final, October 17-19), the Nuke’s true power? Giving back while going forward.
