Wayne Mardle, famend for his function as a commentator on Sky Sports activities and previously celebrated as a prime darts participant, has candidly shared his emotional journey by grief following the loss of life of his spouse, Donna, in 2024. He expressed his emotions in a transferring video on TikTok.
Donna handed away on the age of 52 after a short sickness. She and Wayne had shared 22 years of marriage. Mardle, who’s now 52, opened up about his ongoing wrestle along with her loss.
“Often, it’s a little bit of golf and a little bit of darts,” he mirrored. “My spouse, Donna, died on December 11, 2024, so it’s been about 430 days since. I used to rely every day. Some would possibly name it progress, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel prefer it. It’s completely brutal. I’m sharing this as a result of though it’s so robust, I’m nonetheless right here. All you are able to do is maintain making an attempt, proper? Simply maintain making an attempt.”
He continued, “Grief is supposedly a course of with levels, however I’ve discovered it’s extra like phases. You don’t simply transfer on from one stage to a different. Phases come and go, and typically they cycle again. The sentiments you assume will go usually linger.”
Mardle provided private recommendation, saying, “No matter you’re feeling is legitimate. Cope with it in the best way that feels best for you. There isn’t an accurate or incorrect method. I used to go to Donna’s grave day-after-day. I haven’t been there since Christmas Day, and now it’s February 21. That’s simply how it’s for me proper now.”
Wayne Mardle shared a video on TikTok to assist others like himself, who’re grieving
Mardle’s spouse Donna (left) died after struggling with a brief sickness again in 2024
‘So nevertheless you’re feeling is the way you’re feeling, don’t fear about it and once I say that I actually imply cope with it how you’re feeling you wish to cope with it, there’s no proper or improper right here. I used to actually go on a regular basis to Donna’s graveside. I haven’t been there for the previous… nicely, since Christmas Day and it’s now February 21.
‘I don’t really feel responsible, I simply really feel like I can’t do it as a result of it beats me, beats me each time I’m going over there, you might have a millisecond off of forgetting, proper, that’s about it.
‘However I simply wish to inform you all, that those that are going by comparable, don’t overthink it, don’t double bluff your self, simply get on with it the way you assume is correct and the individuals who query you aren’t your mates, they’re not your loved ones, they’ve a notion of grief, it’s incorrect.
‘It’s simply brutal, it truly is brutal however all I’m saying to all of you is, if I may help one individual, I’m not even serving to myself right here, I don’t know what I’m doing, simply do it the way you wish to do it, don’t overthink it, please don’t. I hope tomorrow is healthier than immediately.’
Mardle’s voice has develop into synonymous with darts, particularly over the festive interval when the World Championship takes over the display screen.
He missed the beginning of the most important match within the sport two years in the past within the weeks following Donna’s loss of life, returning this yr for commentary responsibility.
When the information of Donna’s passing was introduced on the stay broadcast on the time, it was clearly emotionally affecting the published group.
A tearful presenter, Emma Paton, stated: ‘Wayne is the center and soul of every little thing we do right here at Sky Sports activities darts, however the coronary heart of his world, his fantastic spouse Donna, sadly handed away earlier this week after a brief sickness.’
Sky Sports activities shared the above tribute on their protection when Donna died in December 2024
‘We shall be remembering Donna all through this match. Wayne, you’re in our ideas, in our hearts, we love you very a lot and we’ll see you very quickly.’
Mardle is commonly remembered for commentary of the game’s biggest leg, two years in the past, when Michael Smith hit a nine-dart end within the closing towards Michael van Gerwen, who missed a double 12 on his personal try at perfection.
Mardle exclaimed: ‘One man misses, does the opposite man get? I’ve by no means seen the like.
‘Come on Bully Boy. Sure! Double 12…That’s the most superb leg of darts you’ll ever see in your life. I can’t communicate, I can’t communicate.’

