BLIND DAVE'S BLOG

30-03-2007

The Stirrer revealed yesterday that the adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is planning to join Blind Dave Heeley on the last lap of his challenge to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. In the latest instalment of his blog, here's the rest of what Dave's been up to.

I've certainly had my orders this week, Georgie-Lee stamping her authority, at 5 years of age. I was told in no uncertain terms, I was to go to the flower shop, get a bunch of flowers for mom and they were too be roses.

So as I was ordered that's exactly what I did and from now on there's not a cat in Hell's chance of Debb ever missing an occasion of any sort, the girls won't let me. I hope Fathers day has the same effect, but somehow I don't think so.

The flowers were secretly stored in the workshop - yes, in water - and just after tea I was told how we were going to cook dinner on Sunday for Mom, kids, bossy and boots, what chance do I have!

Saturday saw me and Mac run into uncharted territory. We completed our first 22 mile run. To our surprise we didn't feel too bad, pushed on a bit at the end even going out of our way to go up a hill. We must be masochists. It's not really recommended but it showed the level of our fitness, which we were very pleased with.

The legs still hurt a bit at the end, but I'll live with that.

Talking of hurting, it was Mac's turn to take a slight knock, once again my favourite moan, cars parked on footpaths. By pushing me out of the way of a parked car Mac hit the pole, and swore as his watch clattered to the floor. What with cars and road works, we were well blessed on Saturday.

On the Sunday we knocked out a pretty quick 8 miles, the legs responded well, especially after yesterdays run, but the wind was horrific, at one point it literally stopped us in our tracks, it was so strong.

It certainly made us work hard but why, when you're tired, does the wind never blow from behind (now, now, I know exactly what you're thinking, but I didn't have any beans last night)

On getting home, Mother's Day was officially announced, and the girls gave Debb the flowers and card. Georgie checked they were roses before they were presented to Mom, In fact I'd gone one better and had some Freesias in as well, they are one of Debbs favourite. Brownie points all round.

The girls started the dinner, put the potatoes, carrots and cabbage in the saucepans, I put them on the hob, the meat was already in the oven (I put it in before I went out for a run). Debb served it all up, tables sorted by the girls, yes it was a very satisfying lunch. The girls were more than happy. Mind, I got the washing up duties.

I also gained a few more Brownie points, because although I couldn't fix the Hoover (thank goodness, that will have to go away to be looked at) but I did fix the mop - I don't mind that, it's a lot quieter.

Besides, the Hoover disturbs Wicksie's sleep - strange he does that very well and never gets lost finding his basket!

Yes,Wicksie's beenlosing his way again. Can't believe he went straight past the butchers; still in West Bromwich High Street, it's amazing how many new shops I'm finding out about. I never knew most of them were there.

Wicksie must get lost for a reason; mind, he's not like the others, he never strays into a new pub!

Debb was following on the way back to the car and she was amazed as to how people jumped out of our way when we walked through the precinct, she said it must be very daunting to see you and Wicksie heading towards you at 100 miles an hour. I don't know what she means, me and Wicksie amble around looking in the shops for bargains - mind I'm yet to see any (!)

It's been another great week for PR and trying to publicise the 777 challenge for next year. Lyng Lane chemists have been great with their support and we got a photo and a few words to go in their monthly magazine sent out to all chemists - keep up the good work guys, keep selling those puppies.

Also did a talk at the Retinitis Pigmentosa society meeting, hopefully they enjoyed the talk. It was certainly interesting talking to people with the same disability I have myself and once again the mention of next years challenge was the topic of most conversations.

As a society looking for funds I suggested they used me as the vessel to try and raise more money - my motto, “lets help every one”. They did mention that later in the year they would be doing a fund raising event: “walking on hot coals”. Sounds fascinating, but I had to decline. I can't afford to put my feet at any unnecessary risks with the 777 challenge coming up next year, maybe a thought for another time.

Also met another guide dog owner, Kev who had Wicksie's sister, but like most family members they wouldn't have anything to do with each other. Apparently there are a few of Wicksie's litter in and around West Brom.

It's certainly been a busy week for talks. We went along to the Hagley Golf and Country Club to address the Dudley and District Small Business Group. I was invited to talk after dinner by a young lady called Debbie, who we met at a celebrity cricket match we arranged last year.

We were both born and bred in the same area as kids, she being a bit posher than me now. She wanted an inspiring speaker - what I want to know is why they asked me!

But it was a great night, met some very nice people and what a way to be introduced - a gentleman by the name of Geoff Hill, who owns Geoff Hill Electrical in Stourbridge, put a hand on my shoulder and said “Hello Dave”. I instantly recognised his voice, it was nice to meet up with him again. In the middle of the crowded room he announced that we actually met for the first time in Buckingham Palace. What an introduction, it made the start of a great evening.

We had a very nice meal, talk about sing for your supper, I had to talk for ours, but it was a lovely evening, the talk I hope went well, the company was nice and the first question asked after I had finished talking was, “Who do I make the cheque out to?”

That said it all for me, what a very generous room and I can see they will support me and Guide Dogs in the challenge set out for next year. Hopefully there are a few more talks to be arranged and the night raised almost £1500, with more promised. It gives me the heart to carry on when we keep coming up and meeting generous people like this.

The next bit I say very quietly, it's been a great week with out to many incidents, mind don't want to push my luck as either Wicksie or Mac will change that I'm sure.

Still the 777 challenge is taking up quite a lot of my time at present, hopefully there'll be a lot more news about challenge in the coming weeks. It's very interesting and I'm having great fun organising things. Perhaps the smile wont be so prominent next year when I've got to run the marathons, but that's next year lets enjoy while we can.

Well flower power over for a little while now and as for the talks, plenty more to do, only glad I don't have to sing for my supper, that being the case I'd be hungry by now. Mind, to be fair, Debb does say I've not got a bad voice, especially when I'm asleep and quiet. What a thing to say after I carefully picked and arranged her flowers!

Well sort of, I carried them home and put them in a bucket, but that's your lot for this week other wise I can see my Brownie points going straight out the window, Blind Dave signing off.