Gilding's remarkable story of glory

ANDREW GILDING has gone from being housebound to a household name on the oche. 

The slinger nicknamed ‘Goldfinger’ became one of the big shock major winners of the sport by beating Michael van Gerwen in the UK Open final back in March. 

But the true story of Gilding is far more remarkable than just beating MVG. 

His life has been transformed from being a recluse to arrows stage star within two decades. 

Gilding's entire existence was turned upside down when he played in the band at the Emmanuel Church in Bungay, Suffolk, after years of being afraid to walk out of his front door.

The World No 20 said: "They got me to join the band.

“I took the first tentative steps outside. I went from a reclusive, stay-at-home, depressed person.

“I was even singing at one point, in a group of four of us doing a cappella.

“It was the most terrifying moment of my life and also great preparation for the big stage.

“It was in front of 50 in a congregation. Just the fact that I had to get up there and sing, it was a nerve-racking experience.

“It was just a simple tune but I'm a very simple singer.

"That got me started. Then I ended up walking into my local pub team in my mid-30s. The first time I had played in a team.

“That started me going out. A local small businessman started backing me to go to local competitions. He kept backing me until I got into the PDC a few years later."

Gilding plays at Ally Pally on December 21 against Dutch star Christian Kist, 37,  or 16-year-old Luke Littler, from Runcorn, Cheshire.

Gilding added: "I could be a standard bearer for people who think their life is never going to change.

“Mine completely changed. I went from nothing to something.

"Your life can change, you don't know what's going to happen. Don't just give up hope.

"I remember waking up one morning and just crying. Thinking, 'I wish I could just go back to sleep'.

“There were many days like that and for long periods as well. Just no end in sight.

“All I can say to people like that is, 'Just take a step forward, people will help'.

“Just keep taking one step when you can. Go and get medication and counselling. Keep it up. And things may change'.

“I think I got on the meds and counselling first. During counselling I had a bit of an epiphany and decided to go to the church.

"I pushed most of my friends away, to be honest, being miserable and not nice to be around. But there were one or two that kept with me.

“It's very hard on your own because it's a downward spiral.

"There's no hope in the darkest moments. There's no hope of even surviving the year.

“You don't think there is any light at the end of the tunnel.

“It won't happen overnight. There's no miracle cure. You have to do it one step at a time.

“But in 20 years I've gone from being housebound to playing on the big stage and even becoming a household name."

For achieving his breakthrough moment at the UK Open, Gilding received £110,000 in prize money.

His big treat was splashing out on his favourite pastime of guitars and heavy metal. 

Gilding added: “I bought a Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster, which have been used by Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

“Not the ones that they actually used, they go for about a million pounds. If I could play a tune, I know it's a cliche but it would be the solo to Stairway to Heaven.

“I'm really not the greatest player in the world. I can't even play a song really.

“But I love the sound and the learning process.

“I've got a piano as well ... drum kit, flute and violin.

“I wouldn't change my walk-on to Stairway to Heaven, I don't think it's a real crowd pleaser.

“We'll play it when I win at the Ally Pally!”

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by Taylor Lanning.