My name is Joseph Graham.
First of all, I’m honoured to be the face of Disability Darts Scotland. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and acceptance of my teammates, Kerry, wee Jojo and Ted McMillan.
After a horrific stabbing and a massive stroke, I was left permanently disabled when I was 20.
I lost the sight in my left eye and the ability to use the right side of my body. I needed to learn to walk, talk, swallow and even tell the time again.
My life became a struggle, stuck in an isolated existence of Post Traumatic Stress, relentless recovery and unwanted limitation, but finding the right help led me to discover real courage.
I contacted Ted McMillan and asked him to visit me in my home three times but I cancelled each time before I used my courage to go to the Cawburn myself to meet him.
That was just over a year ago. This decision changed my life, leading me to finding purpose and inclusion again. I trusted myself, which has paid of massively as earlier this year I was picked to play darts for my country.
I cannot begin to convey how much this means to me. Darts has been a privilege and a boost for my self belief despite having to learn to throw with my left hand…..which is not easy for a right handed person!
Not only do I play for Disability Darts Scotland, I also play mainstream darts for the Cawburn Railroaders every week.
Darts is not just a sport to me, it is a fundamental part of my ongoing recovery and belief in humanity. It’s freedom, inclusion, acceptance and the message that darts is for everyone and it’s fun!