Express & Star

Blind Dave heads off on Big Sleuth trail

It's the bear necessities as Blind Dave Heeley will be taking on a race with a difference in aid of charity.

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Dave 'Blind Dave' Heeley, who will be running around all the Big Sleuth bears around Sandwell to raise money for charity. He is pictured with running partner Tony Ellis

The marathon man will be running Sandwell's Big Sleuth project, which sees a collection of colourful creations dotted around the borough as part of an art trail.

Dave will also be joined by his running partner Tony Ellis, as they set off the light-hearted mission amidst their current 24 Great Runs series continuing throughout this year.

The bear figurines have been created as part of a 10-week project called the Big Sleuth, which aims to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

"If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise...", Dave laughed.

"There will be me and Tony doing The Big Sleuth trail and its all in aid of Birmingham's Children Hospital, which is brilliant.

"I was contacted by the council and they explained they had these six bears around Sandwell, with three in West Bromwich.

"We'll be starting at Warley Woods and then going on to Bearwood, Oldbury and finishing up with a celebration outside Central Sixth in West Brom.

"It's just great - a really good cause and something that promotes the area well too," Dave added.

The bears are across Birmingham, including three in Bearwood and three in West Bromwich. It follows the Big Hoot trail in 2015 when owl figurines were put in place.

One of the figures, called Bussy Bear, decorated as a driver, has been installed near Bearwood Clock Tower.

Another one, Bear-Have Like a Girl, painted as a skater, will be at Lightwoods Park, with a third, Bentley The Bearwood Bear will be at Warley Woods.

In West Bromwich, Bearolution, will be in High Street, Uncle B, outside the visitor centre at Sandwell Valley Park Farm, and Picnic Time For Teddy Bears, near Sandwell College sixth form building.

To donate to Dave's cause visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blinddavegreatrunseries2017