**Fallon Sherrock Announces Break from Darts Amid Health Concerns**
Fallon Sherrock, widely considered one of the leading figures in women’s darts, has announced an unexpected step back from competitive play, citing ongoing health challenges as the primary reason. This development marks a notable pause in the career of the so-called “Queen of Ally Pally,” who has become a beacon for gender diversity within the traditionally male-centric world of professional darts.
Sherrock has confirmed that she will be absent from all major tournaments during 2026, an announcement that has surprised fans and raised questions about the future of women’s representation in the sport. The 30-year-old made darts history by becoming the first woman to win a match at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship in 2021 and followed that up with a memorable run to the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals the same year.
However, Sherrock’s professional ascent has coincided with personal battles off the oche. She has been public about her diagnosis with kidney disease in 2014, a condition requiring regular medication and significantly affecting her day-to-day life. In previous interviews, she has spoken candidly about the toll the medication regime has taken, even referencing the development of a “moon face” — a common side effect of long-term steroid use.
Speaking to Online Darts, Sherrock explained the reasons behind her decision, highlighting the daily challenges she faces even with basic practice routines. “All I want is to practice at home for a couple of hours a day – but I can’t do that at the moment,” she revealed. This lack of stamina has forced her to withdraw from several exhibition commitments and shaped her competitive calendar.
Recently, the toll of her condition saw her withdraw from significant events, including the eagerly anticipated Women’s Week at Modus Super Series. The need to scale back—even on competitions she is passionate about—has been emotionally difficult for Sherrock, who emphasised her love for the sport and disappointment at having to reduce her workload. “I’ve had to narrow down what I’m playing in now, and that hurts a little bit because I love darts,” she admitted.
Despite these setbacks, Sherrock remained upbeat about a potential return, offering a message of resilience to her supporters. “Hopefully, in a couple of years, I’ll be alright and I’ll be back to winning really well,” she said, expressing determination to overcome her health setbacks. Her fighting spirit shone through as she added, “Whatever gets thrown at me, I will overcome it.”
Performance-wise, Sherrock’s latest appearance at the World Championship ended in a first-round defeat to Ryan Meikle. Nonetheless, she remains focused on qualifying for whatever events are possible in the remainder of the year – with the World Championship still firmly in her sights.
When asked about her immediate ambitions, Sherrock underlined her determination to leave a mark before her extended absence. “If I really am going to take a year off next year, I want to make a statement beforehand,” she said, also naming the Grand Slam as a key target for 2025. Even as her physical condition limits her, she insisted on giving everything she can: “Even if I’m not playing at 100 per cent, I can at least say I made it.”
The darts community and her fans alike will surely feel the impact of Sherrock’s absence in the upcoming season. Her journey so far has inspired considerable progress towards greater inclusivity in the sport. For now, the world will wait and hope for her return to the stage she helped redefine, wishing her strength and a healthy recovery in the months ahead.