'Blind Dave' completes final race

A blind man who set himself a worldwide challenge to run seven marathons in seven days has finished his final run. Dave Heeley, known as Blind Dave, ran the London Marathon after spending a week running in Brazil, the Falklands, Los Angeles, Sydney, Dubai and Tunisia.

Mr Heeley, 50, from West Bromwich, has been running with guide Malcolm Carr to raise money for Guide Dogs UK. The pair are among only four people to complete the challenge. The others are Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud. Mr Heeley and Mr Carr finished the London Marathon in five hours and 23 minutes.

Mr Heeley was met at the finish line by his wife Debbie, 42, and daughters Dannie, four, Georgie Lee, six, and Grace, 17. He said: "I'm going to have a rest now." He added: "To think last week I was in the Falklands, it's just too incredible for words."

Mr Heeley celebrated with his family after the London Marathon

"It's going to take some quiet moments with the family for it to really hit home. I am the first blind person to do this. 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". Mrs Heeley said: "I'm looking forward to having him home for a while. I'm going to tie him down for a bit."