Sky sports presenter Dave Clark urges people in Wales to Walk for Parkinson’s in 2016

Today Dave Clark, Sky Sports presenter and keen supporter of Parkinson’s UK is ‘honoured’ to launch the Walk for Parkinson’s 2016 series.

Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself in 2011 at the age of 44, Dave has found that walking is a fantastic way to keep fit.

Dave, who is the Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK in 2016, explains: “As a sports fanatic, being diagnosed with Parkinson’s has inevitably meant that some of the things that I used to do to keep fit are that much harder now.

“Walking gets the heart pounding and also helps me with flexibility and balance, so I am honoured to be the Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK in 2016.

“I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to get sponsored and join any of the Walk for Parkinson’s events, even to only walk a mile. Together we can raise much needed funds to help find a cure.”

The Walk for Parkinson’s series is made up of 35 walks up and down the country with distances ranging from 1 to 10 miles. They all take place between April and October and locations vary from city centres to stately homes.

Venues across Wales include Snowdon (14 May), Cardiff Bay (11 June) and Lake Vyrnwy (10 July).

As part of the walks programme, Dave, (with the support of some well-known sportspeople) is organising his own adventure.

He will be walking Coast to Coast – from St Bees in Cumbria, starting on September 11, and finishing 14 days later on September 23 at Robin Hood’s Bay, within the North York Moors National Park – a challenging 200 miles.

Paul Jackson-Clark, Director of Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK said: “We are delighted to welcome Dave as our Champion of Walking in 2016.

“Taking part in a sponsored walk is a great way to stay fit and healthy, and it’s something all the family can get involved in.

“The money raised from the walks series will be used to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure, as well as providing support and information for people affected by Parkinson’s.”

To find a walk near you, see www.parkinsons.org.uk/walks

As well as the face of walking in 2016, Dave has secured a charity of the year partnership between Parkinson’s UK and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). Volunteers will be at PDC darts events across the country to raise vital funds and awareness of the charity and the support it can offer.