'A living nightmare': Blind Dave reveals Covid battle as he urges people to follow the rules
Black Country marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley OBE is urging people to take Covid-19 seriously and get vaccinated – after revealing his own battle with the virus.
Blind Dave, who is 63 years old, caught Covid-19 in November – and is still feeling the longer-term effects of having the virus.
Dave, who lives in West Bromwich with his wife Debbie, said the virus had turned his life upside down – and has urged everyone to continue following the rules and get vaccinated to get life back to normal.
He said: "I was diagnosed with Covid-19 in November 2020 and I can honestly say it was a living nightmare.
"The cough I had ransacked my body and my energy levels were so low it was ridiculous.
"Putting on a pair of socks took me over 20 minutes and walking downstairs was like running a marathon. I have to admit, I was extremely worried.
"Many people will know me for running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, but to simply walk from room to room was a terrific effort – something I have never experienced in my life, total exhaustion.
“I don’t know where or how I got Covid-19 but I do know one thing – it has turned my life completely upside down.
"Three months ago, training and running 10 miles a day was the norm but, at the moment, I am struggling to make two miles. But I am not prepared to let this virus beat me.”
Dave, who is a father-of-three, says his fitness levels before becoming ill probably prevented him from being hospitalised.
He said: “My fitness certainly helped me and I feel so lucky that I didn’t end up in intensive care. It proves Covid-19 is not particular about who it decides to attack.
"So many people still don’t understand how serious and devastating this virus can be for some people.
“I wouldn’t wish this awful virus on my worst enemy, it has devastating effects and has also killed so many thousands of people.”
Dave is urging people to continue to follow the rules to prevent the spread of the virus – and take up the offer of the vaccine as soon as they are offered it.
He added: “Please, please, please don’t be stupid and think it isn’t there - this silent killer is out there waiting.
“Stop the gatherings and wear your mask when required. Social distancing is a must, wash your hands regularly, stay at home as much as you can and let’s protect the NHS and each other as much as we can.
“Intensive care is not a good place to be, for either patient or medical staff.
“Vaccinations are already here and together we can beat this nightmare and bring that wonderful word – normal – back into our lives.”
