Express & Star

Blind Dave film gets Hollywood treatment with Hawthorns screening

Forget Hollywood. The Hawthorns welcomed film fans to a special screening of a biopic putting the spotlight on charity champion 'Blind Dave' Heeley.

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Dave Heeley with actor Charlie Boswell, 13, and back, film producer Nigel Davey and Albion Foundation director Rob Lake

Hundreds of people arrived to see '7 Days' which tells Dave's life story and epic seven marathons, in seven continents, in seven days, challenge.

The film was due to be shown on huge screens at the stadium but organisers moved the showcase inside due to heavy rain.

WATCH a trailer for the film here:

And the Richardson suite was packed with Baggies fans, well-wishers and members of the cast and crew for the event on Wednesday night.

Dave was cheered on as he arrived at the screening just days after completing his latest fundraising challenge - taking on an ultramarathon in South Africa.

And the 61-year-old from West Bromwich said he was delighted with the turnout from the Albion faithful.

Dave with actor: Charlie Boswell, 13, who plays young Dave in the film, with back, producer: Nigel Davey and Albion Foundation Director Rob Lake and fellow actors Jane Campion Hoye and Robert Harrison

"It was a horrendous night weather-wise so it was brilliant for so many people to come down," he said.

"There were fresh faces who hadn't seen it before and there were others watching it for three times."

He was joined at the premiere by his family including wife Deb and also the film's producer Nigel Davey.

Young actor Charlie Boswell, 13, from Bromsgrove, also attended the event with his family. The teenager played Dave in the biopic.

Dave with wife: Debbie and they are applauded as they take their seat

The film had been around two years in production - mainly thanks to the clout and backing of Aston Villa icon, the late Sir Doug Ellis.

It had its premiere at Birmingham Rep Theatre in February.

Brothers Dominic and Ian Higgins directed the short film which was shot at a host of Midlands locations including The Hawthorns,.

Dave made a cameo as a pilot in the film before returning at the end in scenes filmed at an Albion game as the keen Baggies fan received a symbolic key to the club from West Brom's Darren Moore.

Producer Nigel Davey

Dave had completed the Comrades Marathon, the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon race, on Sunday.

He was joined on the start line by guide runners Tony Ellis and Rosemary Rhodes for the 55-mile run.

They managed to finish within a gruelling 11 hours and 50 minutes with all money raised being given to West Brom's charitable arm, The Albion Foundation.

Dave with wife Debbie and daughter Georgie-Lee at the screening

"It was unbelievable and such a fantastic experience," he said.

"It was a wonderful adventure but so tough. It was like a warzone at the end with so many people dropping out."

Dave has already helped raise around £30,000 this year alone through a host of challenges including a 165-mile bike ride from Preston North End's Deepdale ground back to The Hawthorns.