Express & Star

Hero 'Blind Dave' Heeley gets back on the saddle

Prolific fundraiser 'Blind Dave' Heeley got on his bike once again when he joined bank staff to raise money for a children's charity.

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Known for his multiple treks including running seven marathons in seven days and cycling 700 miles across seven countries, Dave gave a helping hand to staff at NatWest in High Street, West Bromwich, to help raise money for Sandwell Parents for Disabled Children.

The charity focuses on play and leisure opportunities for disabled children and their families.

Two exercise bikes were provided to the bank by the YMCA in Carters Green to enable Dave and the staff at the branch to cycle a total of 90 miles yesterday, taking shifts throughout the day.

Dave, from Oak Road, West Bromwich said: "I have used this bank for a number of years and they have always supported me.

"My heart is with disabled children, after all, I know what they are going through and how they are feeling.

"I am only cycling for a couple of hours but it is great to be involved with such a great cause.

"The bank has been really busy, so hopefully we can raise a really nice amount of money for the charity.

"I already did a ten mile cycle this morning, but I am always happy to put some extra training time in, especially if it involves raising money."

Next year, Dave will be facing his toughest trial yet.

He said: "I am taking part in Des Sables Marathon, which is a 170 mile trek across the Sahara Dessert in six days to raise money for the Albion Foundation.

"It will by far be the toughest challenge I have ever done. Each one has been very hard and have put me in a lot of pain but I have got a lot of pleasure out of doing them as well.

"I have two people guiding me on this trek. We have really picked up on the training recently and we have had some ups and downs but we are really looking forward to it.

"I have something planned for 2017, but I think this will be the last tough challenge that I face so I want to give it a really good go."

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