"Whatever words I could say, that is an indication” - Glen Durrant deeply proud of niece Zara after Operation Bullseye success

The British darts community has voiced its appreciation for a remarkable initiative that brings the sport and the military community together. Former world champion Glen Durrant paid an extensive tribute to his niece Zara, the driving force behind Defence Darts, after she delivered the largest military darts event ever with Operation Bullseye.

The event took place in Aylesbury and brought together more than 500 participants. In addition to military players and veterans, several well-known names from the professional darts circuit took part.

Among others, Chris Dobey, Justin Hood, Ricky Evans, Alan Soutar, and Ritchie Edhouse were present to show their support for the initiative. In the end, Dobey and Darren McMahon took the sporting honors.

Beyond the sporting success, the charitable cause took center stage. Thanks to Operation Bullseye, more than £20,000 was raised for organizations dedicated to the mental health of service personnel and veterans.

Glen Durrant, a three-time world champion and now active as a darts analyst, was one of the prominent attendees at the event. He said he was particularly proud of how Zara had turned her vision into a large-scale event. “She’s so driven in everything she does. She has a real vision of where this can go, she’s a dreamer,” said Durrant.

According to the former champion, working with people from the military world is special. “It’s a privilege to be working with the guys in the forces, the veterans. It’s a massive event, you're playing in front of 500 people."

Durrant also stressed how important the sport’s roots remain. "I always believed that darts was a working man’s sport, it came from the grassroots. It’s been elevated to almost rock and roll right now.”

According to Durrant, Zara’s family is immensely proud of what she has achieved. "That is how proud the family are of Zara. Whatever words I could say, that is an indication.”

Zara herself has an impressive background in the military world. The mother of three worked as a logistics specialist in the Royal Air Force and knows first-hand the challenges that service personnel and veterans face.

A special moment from her past came when, during her posting to the Falkland Islands, she ensured her entire crew could watch her uncle Glen Durrant play in the Premier League.

For her efforts, Zara was recently honored with a three-star commendation during the annual King’s Birthday Honours. That recognition came on top of the success of Defence Darts, an organization that uses darts to connect service personnel, veterans, and communities.

After Operation Bullseye, Zara expressed her gratitude to everyone involved. “It was our biggest event yet with over 500 attending and raised over £20,000 for military charities,” she said. “Also a big thank you to the sponsors who made it possible."

According to Zara, this is only the beginning. “I’m very proud of how far we’ve come and the aim is to keep growing this amazing event.”