Sky Sports darts presenter Dave Clark steps down nine years after Parkinson’s diagnosis

Darts presenter Dave Clark is to step down from his role after 22 years with Sky Sports.

Clark joined Sky Sports News in 1998 and has fronted the darts coverage since 2002.

The Yorkshireman, who also worked on football and boxing during his time with Sky, has continued to present for nearly a decade after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2011.

He announced on Twitter: "It’s been an AMAZING journey, but now it’s time to bow out of Sky Sports Darts, covering Professional Darts Corporation tournaments and Premier League Darts.

"22 years on Sky, nearly 10 years with #Parkinsons. Brilliant memories, brilliant people. Just stopping doing the live darts .. NOT giving up on life. 100% my decision x."

Clark plans to continue in broadcasting in some capacity, while his retirement does not mark the end of his work to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease.

He has raised more than £500,000 for his chosen charity Parkinson’s UK and will continue his fundraising efforts.

He added on the Sky Sports website: "It's been an amazing journey, 22 years performing on Sky Sports, nearly 10 years with a chronic degenerative neurological condition. Quite an innings, doing the best job in the world," he wrote on the network's website.

"When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's a 'specialist' said I'd only be able to present live sport for two or three more years. Nearly a decade after that diagnosis, I can still present live television, on stage, in front of 10,000 people.

"I've decided I want to stop now, still in control, still able to do the job, still able to enjoy it."

The 16-time world darts champion Phil Taylor tweeted: “What an honour and a privilege to work with such a courageous man for twenty years.

“Dave, welcome to retirement. You have earned it.”