Dave Clark defied odds to current darts for 10 years after Parkinson’s analysis

On Dec 13, 2023

Being recognized with Parkinson’s did not forestall Dave Clark from attaining his profession objectives.

The former Sky Sports News host was instructed he’d be capable of hold working for simply “three of four years” due to his situation. But he ended up internet hosting a number of the greatest events in sport for greater than double that size of time to show medical doctors unsuitable, fronting protection for main darts and boxing occasions method past that deadline.

Clark would have probably led Sky Sports’ protection of the 2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship have been it not for his analysis. And the broadcasting veteran, who retired in July 2020, gave a heartfelt account of his early expertise with the neurodegenerative illness throughout a current look on Good Morning Britain.

“I went past a shop window and I thought I had a shoulder problem because my arm wasn’t swinging,” mentioned Clark. “I went to the doctors and he said it’s not physical – it’s neurological.

“I then went to see one other physician and he requested how outdated my youngsters have been, I mentioned seven and 4 on the time. He requested me if I had an enormous mortgage. I did. He mentioned, ‘You’ve acquired Parkinson’s.’ I requested how lengthy am I going to have the ability to work for, [and] he mentioned three or 4 years. I did 10 years presenting dwell sport, world heavyweight title fights, every little thing. I’m actually pleased with that.”

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Clark has lengthy been a broadcasting favorite amongst darts followers
(Image: Sky)

Clark additionally addressed the impression his father’s personal Parkinson’s analysis helped affect his method to the situation. The former Sky favorite confessed his dad dedicated suicide having grown depressed after maintaining his analysis personal, and colleagues puzzled whether or not he was drunk at work on account of his speech degradation.

Eager to keep away from that sort of confusion, Clark pledged to be candid about his personal analysis, albeit after hiding it for the primary two-and-a-half years. Worried on the time he’d lose his job, the TV veteran joked he did so he had the means “to pay off that big mortgage.”

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Rightly pleased with the style through which he surpassed expectations, Clark acquired a wave of reward from the general public for his bravery. Retired darts star Kevin Painter wrote: “What a man. You will not meet a nicer fella.”

“A wonderful inspiring man,” posted one other viewer. “The world would be a better place with more people like Dave Clark.”