Dave Clark

Dave has been an incredible support to Parkinson's UK over the years, helping to raise awareness of Parkinson's with dozens of TV and radio interviews.

In 2016, Dave became our Champion of Walking and has since raised tens of thousands of pounds with his own walking challenges. 

He also played a key role in helping us secure a valuable partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

In September 2018 he conquered the Dales Way in his 90 mile March for A Cure. 

In 2016 Dave took to the hills to do the epic Coast to Coast challenge. 

He tells us his story:

"In 2016 I decided to walk from Coast to Coast, to show just what determination and positive thinking can achieve. I'd just turned 50, I have Parkinson's, walk with a limp, my right arm doesn't swing, and I have some wear and tear from my rugby days and arthritis in my toe. But, despite all that, I was determined.

"After months of preparation, we set off from St Bees in Cumbria, drinking in the beautiful views and not realising the scale of our challenge. This wasn't a gentle walk over flat ground. Ahead of us we had steep moors, 3 national parks and one of the tallest mountains in the UK to traverse."

Friendly faces

"The friendly faces we met along the way really helped to spur us on. Strangers gave donations, and I was joined by lots of darts players, colleagues and even my secondary school economics teacher!

"Of course, it wasn't all plain sailing. It was hard, physical work. On the more challenging days, the best thing to do was to look back on how far you'd come – not how far you had to go."

An end in sight

"Reaching Robin Hood's Bay was an emotional moment for me. It was indescribable really, such a huge achievement. Doing this walk seemed daunting and scary but an amazing way to encourage other people to get fit.

"The great thing I have found about walking is that any amount can make you feel good – and you can do as much or as little as you want. Half a million steps is definitely not for everyone, but whatever your fitness you can get involved."

March for a Cure

In September 2018 Dave put his walking boots back on, along with friend and former colleague Martin Turner, and some other familiar faces joining along the way. 

They walked 90 miles in 6 days, conquering their March for A Cure to raise money for Parkinson's research. Together they raised more than £20,000.