Blind Dave runs up a massive £375,000
RUNNING man Blind Dave Heeley raised a huge £375,000 for charity with his global marathon challenge.
The staggering sum was revealed five months after 50-year-old Dave became the first disabled man to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
The father of three, from Oak Road, West Bromwich, completed the Seven Magnificent Marathons Challenge in April in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Dave, who took part in the challenge with his running partner Malcolm “Mad Mac” Carr, said international support for the event had been “phenomenal.”
“The challenge gave the charity a unique opportunity to speak to new audiences and deliver key messages,” he said.
“The main focus of the challenge was awareness, as well as enabling me to realise my ambition.
“The charity worked with organisations on many of the seven continents and the campaign raised awareness of Guide Dogs in untapped markets.
“It prompted an enormous increase in the number of inquiries to run for Guide Dogs in the London Marathon, the last leg of the challenge.
“I am delighted with the figure raised. Guide Dogs have been great for me and it is a wonderful total.”
A Guide Dogs for the Blind spokesman said media coverage of the event was worth an estimated £5 million.
“All media coverage in the UK and globally promoted a positive and inspirational image of Dave as an ambassador for blind and partially-sighted people,” he said.
“The final fundraising and sponsorship total amounted to £375,000, including monies from the London Marathon.
“The fundraising legacy of Seven Magnificent Marathons is expected to continue for many years, with hoped-for future increases in London Marathon participation,” said the spokesman.
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