Former Sky Sports presenter and Leeds United fan Dave Clark to walk Hadrian's Wall for Parkinson's UK

Former Sky Sports presenter and Parkinson’s activist Dave Clark is set to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise vital funds for Parkinson’s UK.
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Ilkley-born Dave - a Leeds United supporter - is a long-time supporter of the charity.

He will put on his walking boots on September 3 to tackle the 90-mile walk over six days as part of #MarchForACure, all to raise money towards pioneering research projects supported by Parkinson’s UK.

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The trek will see him make his way from Wallsend, near Newcastle, all the way to Bowness-On-Solway, near Carlisle.

Dave ClarkDave Clark
Dave Clark

Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011 and has since played a huge role in raising awareness of the condition by sharing his own experiences.

Since 2016, he has also been Parkinson’s UK’s Champion of Walking, raising tens of thousands of pounds with his walking challenges.

He recently announced he was stepping down from presenting Sky Sports Darts after presenting on screen with Parkinson’s for nearly 10 years.

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This year, he had planned to trek to Everest Base Camp, but this was unable to go ahead due to the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.

Instead, he decided to try a route a little closer to home.

The March for a Cure event, which Dave founded, has raised over £300,000 in the past to go towards Parkinson’s UK’s research projects.

Previous years have seen Dave joined by his friend Martin Turner, former Head of Formula 1 at Sky, who also has Parkinson’s.

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They tackled the walk from the Cumbria coast to the Yorkshire coast, as well as the West Highland Way and the Dales Way.

Dave Clark said: "It may not be the Himalayas, but this is still going to be a huge challenge for me. My ten years living with Parkinson’s means walking is becoming increasingly difficult and I’m reliant on medication three times a day just to keep me moving.

“That’s why I’m so determined to raise as much as I can for Parkinson’s UK. The medication I take was discovered more than 50 years ago - I believe we can do better. My fundraising will go towards pioneering research that will bring us closer to finding a cure for Parkinson’s.”

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re in awe of Dave Clark for taking on this incredible feat for Parkinson’s UK. He is an inspiration for so many people in the Parkinson’s community, showing that having Parkinson’s doesn’t have to define you or hold you back.

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“Lockdown restrictions are starting to lift and life is moving towards something more normal - but when this crisis is over, Parkinson’s will still be here. That’s why we are so grateful for people like Dave, now more than ever. Every penny raised through fundraising helps us drive forward pioneering research into better treatments and a cure.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Dave for his continued support and we wish him the very best of luck with the walk.”

To support Dave’s challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-clark85

Anyone can get Parkinson’s, young or old. In the UK, around 145,000 people are already living with Parkinson’s. Every hour, two more people are diagnosed.

Advice, information and support is available via website, www.parkinsons.org.uk, or free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.