News image
Page last updated at 06:33 GMT, Monday, 7 April 2008 07:33 UK

Blind man begins seven marathons

Dave Heeley
Mr Heeley hopes to become the first blind man to achieve the feat

A blind man aiming to run seven marathons in seven days around the world has started his challenge in the Falkland Islands.

Dave Heeley, who calls himself Blind Dave, started his first marathon in the early hours of Monday.

The 50-year-old from West Bromwich, West Midlands, would be only the third person to achieve the feat.

He also plans to run in Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai and Tunis before running the London Marathon.

He and his guide Malcolm Carr are raising money for the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association.

The endurance test has previously been completed by adventurers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud.


video and audio news
Dave Heeley has got 156 miles left to run



SEE ALSO
Marathon bid blind man flies out
30 Mar 08 |  West Midlands
Hitch for blind marathon runner
13 Mar 08 |  West Midlands
Fiennes relishes marathon feat
03 Nov 03 |  Americas
Explorer Fiennes home after heart op
13 Jun 03 |  Bristol/Somerset

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AmericasAfricaEuropeMiddle EastSouth AsiaAsia Pacific