'It was absolutely brilliant and really emotional' - West Bromwich's 'Blind Dave' Heeley joined by daughters for one last London Marathon
West Bromwich fundraising legend 'Blind Dave' Heeley was joined by his three daughters as he took to the London Marathon for one last time.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
David Heeley, 67, also known as 'Blind Dave', from West Bromwich, has run the London Marathon for the 17th and final time as he said a teary farewell to the prestigious endurance event.
For the monumental last run, Dave was joined by his three daughters, Grace, 34, Georgie-lee, 23, and Dannie, 21, who all supported their father in raising funds for the young person charity, the Albion Foundation.
While Dave is no stranger to endurance events, being a key figure in hundreds of charity runs and cycling events over the years, this year's London Marathon was the debut for his three daughters, who Dave said "couldn't make him prouder."
Talking after the bitter-sweet event, Dave said: "This is the last one. Honestly, the London Marathon is so special to me, but this is the 17th time running it. I have had two knee replacements.
"With the training, it puts a lot of pressure on, whether it is rain, snow, fog, or early mornings, it's a lot of pressure. I'll obviously keep running, but it will be nice to do it for just the enjoyment factor and not the pressure of all the training.
"Honestly, it's a sad day, but it's a fantastic day. I have loved every single London event, I can't speak highly enough of it. It's a prestigious and amazing run."
Dave said this particular event was made even more emotional by being joined by his three daughters, all of whom achieved medals while 'staying together as a family'.
He said: "All three of them did their own times, we stayed together as a family, It was absolutely brilliant and really emotional being with them.
"I couldn't be prouder, I'm extremely proud of them. They have all given me the single best memory out of all my London Marathon experiences. They kept saying 'Dad how do you do this all the time', but they did amazing."
While Dave won't hang up raising money for charity, his 17th London Marathon marks the final time he run the event.
He said: "The crowds and the camaraderie between the runners of this event in particular were amazing, it was incredible to see, if you could bottle the atmosphere we had on the day and spread it around the world, it would be a better place.
"All I can really say is that in my opinion, the London Marathon is the best in the world. To everyone who has done it, very much well done. If you are thinking of doing it - then sign that form, you won't regret it."
Dave's London Marathon fundraiser this year hopes to raise £20,000 for the Albion Foundation, which Dave says 'we are well on the way for'.
To donate to Dave's Albion Foundation fundraiser, visit the fundraising website.
