Blind runner finishes 7th marathon

Dave Heeley was yesterday planning some "quiet time at home" after becoming the first blind person to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

Mr Heeley, along with his sighted running partner Malcolm Carr, crossed the London Marathon finish line after five hours and 23 minutes, supported by cheering friends and family.

Mr Heeley and Mr Carr ran their first event in the Falkland Islands on 7 April, before travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Los Angles, Sydney, Dubai, Tunis and finally London, and have so far raised over £100,000 for the Guide Dogs charity.

Mr Heeley said he was inspired to undertake the challenge by the "life-changing" event of receiving his first guide dog.

He hopes his world record will help other blind people to achieve "freedom and independence".