Blind Dave launches Halesowen school's sports week (From Halesowen News)

Blind Dave launches Halesowen school's sports week

4:00pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Local

LOCAL hero and Olympic torchbearer ‘blind Dave’ inspired pupils at a Halesowen school when he launched its sports week.

Dave Heeley dropped in on Lutley Primary where he told pupils about his charity work and the challenges he has experienced.

Dave is the first blind person to have completed the ultimate endurance challenge of seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

He also ran ten marathons in ten days for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The sports week saw Team GB basketball squad member Whitney Allen and under 15s fencer Shreya Anil visit the school. Pupils also took part in Paraolympic sports including wheelchair basketball and seated volleyball.

Assistant Head of School Kate Smith said: “The children are now extremely excited at the prospect of the London 2012 Olympics.”

During his visit pupils gave Dave £500 donation for Macmillan Cancer from £5k they raised through sponsorship from a recent fun run. Cash will also go to Mary Stevens Hospice and a new school minibus.