Farewell lunch at Wilf’s Café for West Midlands blind man

Farewell lunch at Wilf’s Café for West Midlands blind man set to run 3 down, 4 to go - Dave is doing well. It all finishes with the London Marathon on Sunday 13th April Staff at Wilf’s Café, Staveley provided some nutritious tasty treats for Blind Dave Heeley this weekend, just days before he embarks on his amazing challenge. Dave and his family received a heroes welcome and lots of Wilf’s famous chocolate brownies at the Café. Inspired by the totally life-transforming independence provided by his guide dog, Dave Heeley, from West Bromwich, is running Guide Dogs’ Seven Magnificent Marathons challenge which will see him push the boundaries of human endurance; running seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days in April 2008.

The eyes of the world will be focussing on blind Dave Heeley and his sighted guide Malcolm Carr as they begin the first leg of Seven Magnificent Marathons on Monday 07 April 2008 in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Antarctica). This will be followed by six subsequent gruelling legs in Rio (South America), Los Angeles (North America), Sydney (Australasia), Dubai (Asia), Tunis (Africa) and London (Europe) – arriving in spectacular style for the Flora London Marathon on Sunday 13 April. Dave, who has been registered blind for the past 20 years, won’t be able to see the locations, routes and supporters – and will rely on his sighted guide Malcolm to accompany him safely around the global marathon circuit.

At home, Dave relies on the amazing work of Guide Dogs, the charity that has provided him with life-changing freedom of mobility through guide dog ownership spanning over 10 years with three loyal and dedicated dogs; Peter, Carla and currently Wicksie. The challenge is far beyond the capabilities of most people, and Dave will need enormous physical and mental stamina to complete his Seven Magnificent Marathons. The punishing schedule involves running 183.4 miles in a week – 26.2 miles a day – putting incredible strains on his body. He will need to remain focussed and use every ounce of strength, as he smashes through pain barriers, time zones and jet lag; all factors he will have to overcome as he pushes the boundaries of human endurance to realise his dream. Find out how he is getting on from his website