SKY Sports presenter Dave Clark, who lives with Parkinson’s, has helped raise more than £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK after completing a Coast to Coast walk.
The presenter, a former Ilkley Grammar School pupil, completed the 200-mile hike in 13 days, starting at St Bees in Cumbria and finishing in Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire on Friday, September 23.
Dave, who was diagnosed in 2011 when he was 44, said he had been to Robin Hood’s Bay with his father, also diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 44, as a child and had wondered why people were running into the sea.
“I wanted to raise funds for Parkinson’s so it was that memory that made me want to do the walk," said Dave, who is Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK.
While Dave is still able to manage his condition, he wants to show what can be achieved through determination and positive thinking, and to encourage others with Parkinson’s and members of the public to take on physical challenges, whether that be walking one mile or 200.
Sky committed to doubling every pound raised through donations up to £50,000.
The presenter completed the hike with Sky Sports F1 executive producer Martin Turner, who in 2015 was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He was also accompanied on his walk by Stephen Senior owner of Ilkley hardware store Mortons.
Dave added: “Thirteen days, 200 miles, half-a-million steps, climbed height of Everest and £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK. Job done.
“The generosity and kindness shown by so many has been incredible.
“There were mishaps, injuries, exhaustion and much more over the fortnight, but we battled on. In the end all of that was far outweighed by the sense of achievement, the camaraderie and laughter and by so many amazing gestures of support before, during and after the walk.
“When we reached Robin Hood’s Bay there was a huge sense of elation, but I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. Looking back it seemed to touch everyone; a tide of positivity from sea to shining sea.”
Add to the donations by visiting: justgiving.com/fundraising/ClarkysC2C.
To find out about Parkinson’s UK’s Walk for Parkinson’s series across the country, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/walks
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