Prolific fundraiser asks for your help
THE man who has already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity will tomorrow embark on his latest superhuman challenge.
Lifelong Albion fan, ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley , is set to complete 7inSeven – a 700-mile week-long bike ride from Zurich to Birmingham - in an effort to raise at least £100,000 for Help Harry Help Others.
The 55-year-old will begin his journey in Switzerland and will pass through seven countries, before arriving in Birmingham’s Centenary Square a week tomorrow.
And Dave will take to The Hawthorns pitch during the half-time interval of today’s game to issue a last-minute rallying call asking Baggies fans to join him for the final leg of his journey from Coventry’s Ricoh.
So, if you’re free on Sunday, September 29, why not join him for the last 35 miles of his heroic journey?
If you are interested in taking part in all or part of 7inSeven contact event organiser, Tim Andrews, on 07774 100013 or email tim.andrews@hollywoodmonster.co.uk.
To make a donation to 7inSeven click here.
Dave was diagnosed with Retinitas Pigmentosa and told he was going blind when he was just ten years old. By his mid-20s, he had completely lost his sight.
In 2008, Dave became the first blind person in the world to run seven marathons, on seven continents, on seven successive days.
Three years later he completed the Top2Toe challenge which saw him run an incredible ten marathons and cycle over 800 miles from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in just ten days.
Dave remains dedicated to raising valuable funds for local and national charities and is looking forward to his upcoming adventure.
“Becoming an ambassador and also taking part in the 7inSeven challenge is an honour and a privilege,” said Heeley.
“There are many challenges through life, being blind has its moments I must admit, but the challenge that lies ahead through the 7inSeven, could be both painful and fun.
“Hopefully, through a smile or two, awareness, and most importantly, vital funds can be raised for the organising charity, Help Harry Help Others.
“Your kind donations can help with much-needed research, along with helping families currently affected by cancer, but more importantly, let us help those kids become adults.
“It’s surprising how sport pulls people together.
“The 7inSeven team is forming, the 7inSeven team will ride, and hopefully, the 7inSeven team will be successful.
“Good luck to all involved.”
So, why not join Dave on his latest adventure?
Anyone can participate in the event, but if the entire trek sounds a little daunting, why not join Dave and his comrades for the final three days of their jaunt from Eindhoven, or, the last 35 miles from Coventry.
To join the 7inSeven core team of riders for the entire ride you will be asked to raise around £3,000, while those cycling from Eindhoven will need to commit to collecting £2,000.
If you would like to join Dave at Coventry, for the final leg of his heroic journey to Birmingham, you will need to raise around £300 for the charity.
If you are interested in taking part in all or part of 7inSeven contact event organiser, Tim Andrews, on 07774 100013 or email tim.andrews@hollywoodmonster.co.uk.