Back lifelong Baggies fan's bid to raise funds for The Albion Foundation
‘BLIND Dave’ Heeley is set to take on his toughest charity challenge yet – and all in aid of The Albion Foundation.
The lifelong Baggies fan will encounter searing heat in the Sahara Desert as he tackles the toughest foot race on Earth - the Marathon de Sables (MdS) - in April 2015.
The 56-year-old will run the equivalent of five-and-a-half marathons, clocking up 156 miles in the gruelling, multi-stage adventure, to raise funds for the Baggies’ charitable arm and its work in the community.
“The Albion Foundation holds a special place in my heart,” said ‘Blind Dave’.
“I am a big West Bromwich Albion fan and any way that I can help the Foundation continue the fantastic work they carry out in the community will go a long way.”
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, raising more than £375,000 for Guide Dogs.
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.
Jon Ross, The Albion Foundation Business Development Manager, said: “It is fantastic that Dave has chosen to raise funds for The Albion Foundation.
“Listening to some of his stories from his past challenges, you can sense a great amount of passion that he possesses for fundraising and helping local charities.”
To back ‘Blind Dave’ in his challenge make a donation via his JustGiving page, click here.