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Blind Dave's fifth marathon draws huge support in Dubai

"Blind Dave" Heeley started his fifth marathon in five days on Friday, to a huge support from Dubai residents. Heeley is aiming to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

  • By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 09:09 April 11, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Dave Heeley, with his guide dog Wicksie, is aiming to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.
  • Image Credit: Supplied photo
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Dubai: "Blind Dave" Heeley started his fifth marathon in five days on Friday, to a huge support from Dubai residents.

Heeley—who is blind—is aiming to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

The fifth leg of his challenge started at Gate 1 of Safa Park in Jumeirah at 8am, and drew a crowd of onlookers and wellwishers, some of whom also ran at the start.

Heeley said at the start: "It's really a massive loss of confidence to lose your sight."

Non-profit organization Foresight is supporting Heeley in his challenge. If successful, he will be the first blind person to complete such a feat, and the third only in the world.

The organization aims to raise awareness and funds for research into eye disease and blindness, including Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).

Heeley said: "I'm really feeling the heat in Dubai! This is such important and hopefully life-transforming research. Losing your sight to RP, or any other disease, is devastating; with continued research in this area by organizations such as Foresight there will be hope for people in the future. "

Heeley runs with sighted guide Malcom "Mac" Carr, who is a fitness instructor at Heeley's local gym in the UK.

The next marathon is to take place in Tunis on April 12. On completion of the final leg of the challenge, the Flora London Marathon on April 13, Heeley will have run a total distance of 295 kilometres in approximately 168 hours; taking more than 250,000 steps.

Timeline

April 6: Heeley completes first marathon in the Falkland Islands
April 7: Second marathon takes place in Rio de Janeiro
April 8: Third leg of marathon in Los Angeles
April 10: (one day lost through travel) Heeley runs fourth leg in Sydney
April 11: Heeley has warm welcome from Dubai residents at the start of his fifth marathon in Safa Park, Jumeirah.
April 12: Heeley runs in Tunis
April 13: Heeley completes challenge by running the Flora London Marathon.


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