BLIND DAVE RUNNING ON ITN

10-07-2007

Black Country runner Blind Dave Heeley will have his amazing 7/7/7 marathon attempt next year covered by ITN News - subject to cost.

After a meeting with Dave earlier this week, officials at the channel are eager to cover the story, and are just awaiting confirmation the green light from the bean counters.

Assuming that they get the cash they need, reporter Phil Reay-Smith - who accompanies Sir Ranulph Fiennes on his ascent of the Eiger - and a camera operator will follow Dave’s adventures as he works his way across the world on foot.

In the course of a week, the West Brom Harrier will attempt marathons in the Falklands (Antarctica), Santiago (South America) Los Angeles (North America) Sydney (Australasia), Singapore (Asia), Cairo (Africa) before finishing with the London Marathon in April 2008 - that’s seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

He’ll have his guide runner Malcolm “Mad Mac” Carr with him all along the way.

Dave said: “We’re not taking anything for granted yet, and we’ve got another meeting with them next week to hopefully tie up the loose ends. But it’s looking very positive.

“They’re talking about having a daily update on all their major news bulletins throughout the day - lunchtime, at six, and at ten.

“We’ve also had interest from the people who run Gillette World Of Sport which is a show that goes out all over the world to millions of people.”

Don’t forget - you can follow Blind Dave’s adventures with his weekly blog, exclusive to The Stirrer. The latest instalment is out tomorrow.

To watch our free film “Personal Best - The Story of Blind Dave” click here.

In the meantime you can do your bit to help his fundraising effort for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Log on to www.justgiving.com/777