Blind man to attempt world first Top2Toe challenge

A WORLD first is to be attempted by an Englishman when he sets off on a gruelling marathon from John O’Groats this week.

Blind Dave Heeley, who lost his sight when he was 14 years old, plans to run and cycle to Land’s End in 10 days in an attempt to raise £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity celebrates its centenary this year.

Dave, who comes from Birmingham, became the first blind person in the world to complete the ultimate endurance challenge of seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He now hopes to become the first blind person to run and cycle from one end of the country to the other in just 10 days.

Dave sets off from Groats on Wednesday and will run a marathon at the start of each day and then cycle on a tandem to his destination.

Many people and organisations want to show their support for the charity, including Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City football clubs.

Also backing the effort is a Midlands jeweller who has designed and made an item of jewellery to be worn through the Top2Toe challenge. It will be auctioned after Dave completes his marathon.

The first bid of £2500 was made by David Gold, the former chairman of Birmingham City and now of West Ham United. He hopes to encourage others to bid and raise money for the vital work of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Dave, who is married with two of a family, is due to arrive at Land’s End on August 20.

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