After the successful publication of his autobiography last year (Mad not Bad – My Battle with Bipolar), local man John Villiers has recently taken on the role of sponsor for local disability snooker champion Daniel Blunn. A legend on the World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) tour, Blunn has redefined what is possible within the sport.

"Mad not Bad" Goes Global: A Unique Partnership

The partnership between Villiers and Blunn is a meeting of kindred spirits – both have faced adversity, both have redefined expectations, and both are committed to erasing stigma, whether in the realm of mental health or sport.

At Ivanhoe Social Club, in recognition of this partnership, Daniel Blunn recently unveiled a new, embroidered badge on his snooker waistcoat, proudly promoting Mad not Bad – My Battle with Bipolar across the globe. As Blunn competes in international tournaments, the book's title becomes a beacon, sparking conversations about resilience, redemption, and the importance of telling our stories.

Villiers remarked: "It's an absolute honour to support Daniel as he continues to break records and inspire the next generation. His story embodies the spirit of my book – the determination to keep going, no matter the odds."

About Daniel Blunn

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Daniel Blunn's achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He has been a mainstay at WDBS events since the very first Open Disability Snooker Championship in 2015, where he clinched the first of his 17 titles – a record that cements his position as the most successful player in WDBS history. In 2024, Blunn made history again by becoming the first WDBS player to be inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame, a testament to his exceptional contribution to the game and his power to inspire.

Blunn's story is one not of overcoming disability, but of embracing passion and skill. His relentless drive and love for snooker have ensured that his disability is never the main headline – his achievements are. Through hard work and perseverance, Blunn has shown that barriers can indeed be broken.

"Mad Not Bad – My Battle with Bipolar"

Daniel Blunn's new waistcoat badge (Image: John Villiers)

To read Mad not Bad is to embark on a journey through extremes. In his own words, parts of Villiers' life read "like a work of fiction," yet every anecdote stands on a foundation of raw truth. The memoir is peppered with stories that are by turns hilarious and harrowing – testaments to the chaos and unpredictability that have so often been his companions.

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Among the many highs and lows, readers will follow Villiers from the darkest corners of prison cells and the stark realities of mental hospitals to moments of euphoria and brushes with mortality. They will witness the dizzying ascent of building a successful business, only to tumble through the devastation of losing a small fortune. His frank discussion of hypersexual behaviour, laid out in an explicit and honest style, pulls no punches; Villiers refuses to shy away from the realities of his life, no matter how uncomfortable or shocking they might be.

And yet, for all its drama, Mad not Bad is leavened with wit and warmth. The book is stuffed with anecdotes, moments of levity, and glimpses of hard-won wisdom. Villiers' unique voice makes the challenging material accessible, and his explicit honesty creates a sense of intimacy between the author and his readers. You will laugh, you will (probably) cry, but above all, you will be changed.

Availability and Additional Information

Mad not Bad – My Battle with Bipolar is available now from Amazon, in paperback and Kindle formats. For more information, please contact John Villiers at [email protected].