Blind marathon man Dave Heeley is gearing up for the final phase of his world record breaking challenge.

Dave, from West Bromwich, is in Dubai to complete the Asia leg of his Seven Magnificent Marathons challenge.

The 50-year-old and his sighted running partner Malcolm Carr were expected to finish the Dubai run at around midday today UK time, before enjoying a fast-track transfer through the airport as he jets off to Africa.

Hundreds of runners were expected to turn out to support Dave and Malcolm in Dubai.

The father-of-three, known as Blind Dave, is taking on the challenge of a lifetime in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He will become the first disabled person to complete seven marathons in seven days across seven continents. The duo have already successfully tackled marathons in the Falkland Islands in the Antarctic, Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles, as well as a sun-drenched run in Sydney yesterday.

After completing their fifth marathon in Dubai, Dave, Malcolm and their support team will head to Tunis for the African leg of the challenge, which is due to begin at 7am tomorrow.

The challenge will reach its climax with the London Marathon on Sunday, where Blind Dave will cross the line to a hero’s welcome from friends, family and supporters. Dave’s wife Debbie, of Oak Road, said today that he had been in bright spirits every time she spoke to him and he was getting very excited as the challenge neared its completion. Only world-renowned adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud have ever completed the challenge of seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

Dave is hoping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for Guide Dogs for the Blind and raise awareness of the charity across the globe.

He has had three loyal guide dogs provided by the charity since going completely blind and said he wants to inspire others to live full lives despite blindness.

To donate to Dave’s fundraising efforts, visit www.7mm.org.uk