Blind Dave's £375k marathon joy

He pounded the streets of the world for a week, covering a total of 182 miles as part of his seven marathons in seven days on seven continents challenge.

And now West Bromwich's Blind Dave Heeley can celebrate raising £375,000 through his efforts.

Before the marathon man and his sighted partner Malcolm Carr carried out their epic marathon challenge in April it was a feat only completed by Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud.

The pair attracted international attention through their efforts which saw them run in Rio De Janeiro, the Falkland Islands, Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai, Africa and London.

And Dave, who lives in Oak Road, raced his way into the record books as the first blind person to achieve the feat.

Today the money has been counted and the final amount will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Dave, who is married to Debbie and has three children, Grace, Dannie and Georgie-Lee, said today he was absolutely delighted with the amount that has been raised.

In all, the duo spent a total of 35 hours and 30 minutes in Antarctica; nine hours in South America; 14hr 50min in North America; 15hr 5min in Australia; 11hr 25min in Asia; and 20hr 30min in Africa.