"No normal person goes and gets that in their darts room": Luke Littler jokes about mural as young fan inspired in meningitis fight by watching The Nuke

Ten-year-old Josh Billingham from Halesowen (England) has transformed his bedroom into a true darts shrine. On the wall, right next to his dartboard, there’s a giant mural of none other than his hero: Luke Littler, who recently won the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. The reason behind the artwork is at least as remarkable as the result. Josh recently recovered from a severe spell after he was struck by viral meningitis, and the young darts superstar played an unexpectedly big role in that process.

Josh first discovered Luke Littler two years ago, when he watched the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace from his sickbed. Littler was only 16 at the time and stunned the darts world by reaching the final on his debut. For Josh, that moment was life-changing.

Seeing Littler on TV supposedly ignited something in Josh and he has now become a huge fan of the sport amid his troubles with illness.

Since then, Josh has been completely hooked on darts – and on Luke Littler in particular. According to his mother, the enthusiasm “has grown massively.” "We were just looking at ideals really to paint the wall. Initially we didn’t think of having it on this scale.

“It was a bit of a joint idea. Josh wanted everything Luke Littler – bed spreads, pictures, frames and shirts, everything.

The mural was created with the help of British artist Mr Murals, who spent two full days on it. The painting was kept completely secret from Josh. For two days he wasn’t allowed into his bedroom, until the big reveal.

“He knew he was having something done on that wall – but didn’t expect it to be anywhere near what it was. We had the door shut for the whole two days. He wasn’t allowed to sleep in his own bedroom.

“He didn’t see anything until the big reveal at the end and he was absolutely delighted.”

The artist created the work in exchange for a donation to a JustGiving page, raising money for a dementia ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The project thus gained not only a sporting, but also a social dimension.

One small detail didn’t escape darts fans: in the mural, Littler appears to throw left-handed, whereas he actually throws right-handed. The family have taken the mistake with a wink.

Josh already had the chance to meet his idol in person last November. He was invited to the live World Darts Championship draw in London, where he also received a signed shirt from the then world number one. That moment left a deep impression.

Luke Littler himself has also reacted to the mural. The freshly minted 19-year-old two-time world champion was visibly moved. “The inspiration he’s got off me must be through the roof because no normal person goes and gets that in their darts room.

“He can practice and obviously look at my face 24/7 if he wants.”