IN PICTURES: Blind Dave Heeley's book bound for the top after Birmingham launch
"The reception I've had has been absolutely unbelievable and I can't believe all this fuss is over me."
Those were the words of fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley after the launch of his book at Waterstones on Birmingham's High Street.
Hundreds of people turned up to meet the man from West Bromwich behind 'From Light to Dark: The Story of Blind Dave Heeley'.
The book covers his remarkable story, from losing his sight at a young age to taking on challenges and raising a mammoth £3million for charity.
Dave is the only blind person to have his name in the record books by completing the ultimate endurance challenge of seven marathons, in seven consecutive days, on seven different continents in 2008.
He said: "The book signing was brilliant. I'm still pinching myself that all of those people turned up to see me. It hasn't really all sunk in yet, it's been a whirlwind few days.
"Even to be in the flagship Waterstones store, I kept questioning why I of all people was there. It's something you see happen at a Sir Alex Ferguson book signing, not Blind Dave.
"I can't thank everyone enough for their continued support in getting the book out, it's been amazing. I hope everyone enjoys it and finds it a good read."
And he revealed was shocked this week when he received a call from a family friend in Vancouver, Canada, who had just bought his book.
"It left me stunned that this book could go as far as Canada, in my head I'm still just the old codger from West Bromwich," he added.
The 58-year-old father of three was just 10 when he was told he diagnosed with the eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, which brought on the gradual deterioration of his sight.
He has gone on to become a veteran of 14 marathons, taking part in the London Marathon in 2002, 35 years after he first laced up his running trainers.
His next book signing dates are Wednesbury Library on February 22 from 10.30am-midday; Tipton Library from February 23 from 2.30-4pm; Thimblemill Library on February 24; West Bromwich Central Library on February 26 from 10.30am; Waterstones in Walsall on February 27 from 1pm and Smethwick Library on March 1 from 10.30am.
