Monday, April 14, 2008

Blind runner finishes seven marathons on seven continents in seven days

Dave Heeley surrrounded by his family
after the London marathon.

Dave Heeley, 50, (known as "Blind Dave" in the UK) and his running partner Malcolm Carr completed the London marathon April 13, which was the last leg of their goal to run in seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. They are two of only four people who have accomplished this, according to BBC News.

Their efforts also raised money for Guide Dogs UK. They completed marathons in the USA, Falkland Islands, Australia, Dubai, Tunisian Republic, India, and England.

"I am the first blind person to do this," Heeley said. "It's been a fantastic adventure and one I'm going to talk about for a long time."

He said he had chosen his charity so that "other blind people could have the freedom and independence I've had."