Well-wishers saw Sky Sports darts anchor Dave Clark off at St Bees as he embarked on his fundraising Coast to Coast walk today.

Dave has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2011, a condition which makes walking increasingly difficult and said walk will be the biggest challenge of his life.

The 200-mile trek will be in aid of Parkinson’s UK and around 40 sports fans gathered for the send-off on Saturday.

Legendary England striker Alan Shearer posted a message of support for Dave on his Twitter page.

Dave was joined by Matthew Porter, chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation, boxing announcer John McDonald and former darts star Peter Manley.

Also seeing Dave off was John Kane, chairman of the West Cumbria branch of Parkinson's UK, who was diagnosed with the condition himself 10 years ago.

He said: "There was a good turnout and it's a great way to raise awareness around Parkinson's.

"I am a big believer in trying to raise awareness because the more the people that know about it, the more they support it and donate.

"We are the forgotten charity in a way and there is so much work to be done. It is now 200 years since James Parkinson discovered the disease and we still don't know what causes it."

Dave will be joined along the route on various days by a whole host of friends including Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling, chief executive of the Professional Dart’s Corporation Matt Porter, sports presenter Gabriele Marcotti and a host of legends from the world of the darts.

Tens of thousands of pounds have already been donated to the cause, with the total reaching over £33,500 so far. Sky have committed to doubling every pound raised through donations up to £50,000.

Dave will begun his journey with a 15-mile trek to Ennerdale Bridge. He aims to make it to Robin Hood’s Bay by September 23.

He said: “This will be the biggest physical challenge of my life traversing some of the harshest terrain this land has to offer.

“Having Parkinson’s will make it even tougher, but since I was diagnosed five years ago, I decided I wouldn’t let Parkinson’s define me. I’m focusing on what I can do, not what I can’t."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ClarkysC2C