Two city centre hotel managers will find out what it鈥檚 like to be in local legend 鈥楤lind Dave鈥 Heeley鈥檚 trainers 鈥 by tackling the blindfolded.
MacDonald Burlington Hotel鈥檚 regional managing director Derek McDonough and hotel manager James Bee will forgo their sight and rely on instructions from guides while running alongside the fundraising hero on Bank Holiday Sunday, May 1.
-born Dave鈥檚 record-breaking endurance feats have inspired Derek and James to raise funds for Queen Alexandra College (QAC) 鈥 a specialist, national college which provides education for young people with disabilities including being blind and visually impaired.
The pair will be part of the 15-strong Team QAC running the 10k, with all funds raised supporting students鈥 educational needs.
Dave is a governor at QAC, in , where he studied for three years.
The father-of-three, who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and told he was going blind at just ten years-old, has earned national acclaim after becoming the first blind person to complete the seven-marathon challenge in 2008 and raising a staggering 拢3 million for charity.
鈥淭he hardest part for Derek and James will be the training,鈥 said 58-year-old Dave, who has completed other gruelling fitness challenges for charity.
鈥淩unning around Birmingham鈥檚 streets while being guided will require instructions to navigate ramps, steps and rough terrain, whereas during the run there will be hardly any change under foot.鈥
James said: 鈥淲e are really pleased to be raising funds for those with disabilities in Birmingham and across the 海角视频.
鈥淣ot only will this push us to get fit, it will give us both a small insight into what life is like for Dave. He is an inspirational character and it was a real pleasure to meet him.鈥
Team QAC will be aiming to defend their title as they enter the Great Birmingham 10k鈥檚 Business Challenge for the second year running.
Having won the 鈥榣arge organisation, mixed鈥 category in 2015, they are entering three teams this time round.
Sarah Caldwell, QAC fundraising and grants manager, said: 鈥淒erek and James will experience for a short while what it is like for Dave and other blind people to do something we normally take for granted and we really appreciate what they鈥檙e doing for our students.
鈥淓vents like the 10k are about raising awareness as well as funds for our cause.
鈥淲e have a mix of abilities representing Team QAC, including experienced runners, some who are in training and others who are completely new to it.
鈥淲e鈥檙e extremely proud of everyone donning their trainers to support our students. All money raised with go towards equipment, experiences and projects that enhance their journey with us.鈥
How you can help
Sponsor Derek and James
Sponsor Team QAC
Join Derek and James
There is less than a month to before the Great Birmingham 10k, but you are not to late to enter.
More than 7,000 people are expected to take part.
This year鈥檚 event has music at its heart with special warm up and starting waves for fans of either 70s, 80s, 90s or 00s music.
City legends have been unveiled as honorary starters.
Sign up for the Great Birmingham 10k
Sign up for the Business Challenge
In partnership with Great Birmingham Run
