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The upcoming World Darts Championship will mark the last time that John McDonald introduces the sport's biggest stars to the stage. The legendary announcer has held the role of Master of Ceremonies since 2007, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his renowned introductions. However, the upcoming action at Ally Pally will be his final tournament before he retires.

McDonald has come a long way since his time as a paratrooper in the British Army. His journey into sports announcing was triggered by a dramatic turn of events following a serious accident which left him hospitalised. Speaking to the Daily Star, he described it as a low point in his life but explained that he is now using it to his advantage.

"I was shocked really because I had a bad accident and had to leave. I had no intention of leaving," said McDonald.

"Suddenly one minute I've got a great career ahead of me and the next minute I'm in a hospital bed. So no, that wasn't the greatest sort of way to become a civilian.

"But over the years I've grown to use it for an advantage. Life can never get worse for me, can it? I've been there and when you've been that low in your life, there's only one place to go and that's up.

"So positive thinking for me, is something that I've waved the flag about for years. This is another chapter, isn't it?

"I'll take all those skills I've learned over the years in various jobs and I'll take them forward and hopefully I'll have a happy retirement."

McDonald also shared his thoughts on his impending final World Darts Championship as he prepares to hang up the microphone after so many years.

"I'm a bit apprehensive, you know, it'd be an emotional day I'm sure," he added.

"I've done it a long time now, 20 years on the darts and 35 years I've been doing sports announcements. It's a tough decision, I didn't make it overnight.

"I've kind of set myself up for it but it will be emotional. I think you'd be mad if you didn't think it would be a tough gig.

"The final's hard. It's emotional as it is without me worrying about the last time I'm ever going to do it. If I'm a big boy, I'm sure I'll deliver a good, good job."

McDonald is planning to spend more time with his family following his retirement, but he also revealed some significant projects he intends to devote more time to.

"I run a support group along with a very good friend of mine, ex-boxer and ex-boxing champion, Mickey Cantwell," he said.

"We've been banging the drum on future pathways for the last five years. We spend our time funding various courses for veterans and retired sports personnel.

"I'll continue doing that because that's a passion of mine for people to try and better themselves through free education.

"It's a very, very hard thing to do. A lot of people can't do it, but we have been doing this for five years now and I think we'd like to think we've made a difference.

"I work for a number of other charities and I'll carry on supporting a food bank and I'll carry on doing all I can because that's what life's all about. It's not all about the taking. It's about giving."