James Wade swaps tungsten for tools to help NHS staff and keyworkers

Multiple major champion James Wade has downed tools on the oche and headed to the garage in an effort to keep Britain’s key workers moving during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wade, a qualified mechanic, is now working in his Aldershot-based garage to help keep NHS staff and other key workers on the road during this difficult period.

The 37-year-old has worked as a mechanic from a young age and founded Precision Auto Services alongside his father Martin in 2012.

Wade is now offering a 20 per cent discount for NHS and emergency workers as a show of appreciation for their tireless efforts.

Wade, who recently competed in the PDC Home Tour, has reduced his practice regime in order to provide key repair work on vehicles of key workers in his local area.

Nicknamed ‘The Machine’, Wade has long spoken about his passion for cars and the back of his playing shirt features a custom number plate.

A patron of the Bipolar UK charity, Wade said: “To keep myself in the right frame of mind I work on cars, which are my passion.

“I can feel my happiest at the garage; there is no one there to judge me but myself.

“When people recognise me, they often ask if I am worried about hurting my hand – but I tell them, ‘If that happens, I won’t stop living. I’m doing this because I enjoy it.’

“It’s a nice feeling when you have done a hard day’s work in the garage – you can’t beat a manual job, having dinner, putting your feet up and getting moaned at by the wife!”

Wade joined the PDC in 2004 and has gone on to become one of the most successful players in the sport’s modern history, claiming nine major titles, including the World Matchplay, Premier League, European Championship and both the UK Open and World Grand Prix on two occasions.

The world number eight picked up five ranking titles in 2019, taking his overall tally of PDC titles to 35.