Phew! Blind Dave staggers on in 100 degree heat of the Sahara
Inspirational Black Country fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley has moved a step closer to completing his gruelling charity challenge in the Sahara Desert.
The 58-year-old adventurer completed the toughest stage yet of the Marathon Des Sables through the Sahara Desert – a 55-mile run. A video of an exhausted Dave crossing the line in Morocco was posted on Twitter after running the equivalent of more than two marathons.
The Albion Foundation called for the father-of-three to be given a knighthood after he completed the section. It tweeted: "We are running out of words to describe @blinddaveheeley! He has just completed stage 4!! A 91km run!!" Baggies supporters have been sending messages of support.
Carrying his backpack on his shoulders in the searing heat, West Bromwich Albion fan Dave understandably staggered across the line to complete stage four.
The six-day adventure, labelled the toughest running race on the planet, is raising money for the Baggies' charity The Albion Foundation.
It is part of the Tri-Challenge the Albion Foundation established to bring in vital funds through endurance feats, including a charity bike ride and a walk between schools in Sandwell.The final leg of the challenge has taken Dave and his two guides Tony Ellis and Rosemary Rhodes to the desert. Around 1,000 competitors from all over the world come to take part in the Marathon Des Sables, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. But Dave is the first ever blind athlete to take on the challenge.
Mr Heeley's progress is being tracked through the Twitter feed @WBAFoundation. During previous days he has completed 36km sections of the course in blisteringly hot conditions of 38 degrees C (100F) as he aims to finish the entire 160-mile length.
