Inspired by the life-transforming confidence and independence provided by his guide dogs, after hearing Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Dave Heeley was inspired with Sighted guide runner Malcolm Carr “ Mad Mac” to take on the superhuman challenge of running seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days. 

The inspirational challenge was planned over a nine month period from August 2007 to the start of the challenge on 07 April 2008. Guide Dogs realised the positive opportunities this would provide to the charity, and the decision was taken to support Dave’s ambition, with the creation of Guide Dogs’ Seven Magnificent Marathons challenge. 

The key messages for the Seven Magnificent Marathons were:

1. •Dave is setting out to prove that sight loss is no barrier to great physical and mental achievement
   

2. •Due to the life transforming benefits of guide dog ownership providing mobility and independence Dave has the ambition, self belief and confidence to face this challenge
   

3. •In achieving this feat Dave will be inspiring others with or without disability to face their personal challenges and realise their ambitions
   

The campaign hugely raised awareness of Guide Dogs. It prompted an enormous increase in the number of enquiries to run for Guide Dogs in the Flora London Marathon (uplift 600%). Awareness levels of the challenge were extremely high. 

1. •Positive coverage on News at Ten, Channel Four News, CNN, Channel Five News, BBC News 24, Sky Sports, This Morning, Eye Witness News USA, Channel 12 and 7 Australia.  Full and half page features in The Independent and The Telegraph as well as coverage in The Times, The Guardian, Daily Mail, Mirror, Express, the Sun being some of the highlights. 
   

2. •A 30-minute documentary of the challenge was broadcast twice throughout the entire ITV Midlands Region, along with daily reports on each marathon.
   

3. •Official analysis of the media coverage concludes that the equivalent publicity value of the campaign amounted to over £5 million and that the total circulation figure was 132,000,517.
   

All media coverage in the UK and globally promoted a positive and inspirational image of Dave as an ambassador for blind and partially sighted people, as well as runners/health and fitness individuals.  The message of proving that sight loss is no barrier to human achievement and encouraging people around the world – whether sighted or visually impaired – to push their own boundaries and live their dreams, was promoted loud and clear.

The final fundraising and sponsorship total amounted to £375,000 for Guide Dogs.

One of Dave’s personal achievement is a lap of honor round the hallowed Hawthorns pitch in front of nearly 28,000 fans chanting “there’s only one Blind Dave” at West Bromwich Albion v Southampton. It was the game that clinched the baggies promotion to the Premiership on 28 April 2008.

Other Achievements

Appointed Patron of Ideal for All

Appointed Governor of Queen Alexandra College

Ambassador for Sandwell Council

Ambassador for the Birmingham half marathon

Physical activities champion for the 5 x 30 Time to get Active campaign

Made an Honorary Rotarian

Acknowledged with an award by the High Sheriff
of the West Midlands Paul Bassi

Created “Team Blind Dave” as Part of the Kidney Kids appeal
to raise 1.5 million