Hero's welcome for marathon man Dave Heeley

Apr 17 2008 By Dale Williams

BLIND marathon man Dave Heeley returned to the Black Country to a hero’s welcome as hundreds of people came out onto the streets to cheer him.

Dave, of West Bromwich, was treated to a 40-minute, seven mile open-top bus tour after arriving at Sandwell and Dudley railway station yesterday afternoon.

It capped the incredible achievement of seven marathons in seven days across seven continents at the London marathon on Sunday.

He was greeted by Sandwell’s Mayor, Coun Gurcharan Singh Sidhu, who handed Dave and running partner Malcolm Carr specially-engraved crystal rosebowls.

Dave, his wife Debbie and their three girls Grace, Georgie-Lee and Dannie, were then taken to Margaret Street in West Bromwich where supporters including friend Dot Jones organised a celebration garden party.

Dot said: "Its a fantastic achievement, Dave and Mac are both brilliant.

"I see them all the time running and we wanted to organise a celebration for them to mark what they have done. So far as we are concerned they are both heroes."

Dave, who was wearing an Albion scarf, said: "It’s great to be home. It’s been a brilliant adventure. I still can’t believe we have actually done it."

Mac said: "I’m so proud to be a member of this community and so grateful to the people who turned out for us."

Dave was also reunited with his guide dog, Wicksie. They took on the challenge to bid to raise £1 million in funds and awareness for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.