LEGENDARY sports commentator Dave Clark from Ilkley is calling on people across Yorkshire to help change the future of Parkinson’s – in a major walk around Ripley

Members of the public are being invited to sign up for this year’s Walk for Parkinson’s, which takes place in Ripley on Sunday 4 September.

People of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to step out and take part - to help raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s UK.

Parkinson’s is now the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. In the UK, there are 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s; 12,200 in Yorkshire.

Broadcaster, journalist and proud Yorkshireman Dave Clark is supporting Walk for Parkinson’s. Dave, who was born in Ilkley, and went to commentate on the Olympics, the World Cup and darts on Sky Sports, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 44 and has since helped raise over £350,000 for the charity through walking challenges, including an incredible £43,000 in 2020 when he walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall.

Dave said: “I’ve been living with Parkinson’s for 11 years now. It’s not always been easy, but I’m determined to stay positive and embrace life. Throwing myself into fundraising and awareness-raising about the condition is one of the ways I do that.

“So the Walk for Parkinson’s taking place at Ripley on 4 September is a really special event for me – a walk through the Yorkshire countryside that I’ve loved all my life to help raise awareness and funding for Parkinson’s UK. I’ve walked in many places around the UK, but there’s nowhere quite like Yorkshire. So I hope people feel inspired to sign up and take part in the Walk for Parkinson’s in September.”

There are two routes to follow – ranging from one mile and to six miles – starting at the Star Club in Ripley and winding through the beautiful village. The walk starts at 10.30am.

Every step will help bring the UK closer to a cure for Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Registration closes on 28 August 2022. To take part visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkforparkinsons

The money raised by Walk for Parkinson’s will help fund Parkinson’s UK’s vital work, which aims to transform the lives of people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.

Dave said: “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, so finding a cure really can’t wait. Uniting with thousands of others to take part in Walk for Parkinson’s is a great way to help move us closer to that goal. However you choose to get involved, you’ll be accelerating breakthroughs in Parkinson’s research. Together, we can make a real difference.”

Further information, advice and support is available www.parkinsons.org.uk.