Falklands : Donations needed as Dave Heeley Refused Direct Flight from Argentina
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 13.03.2008 (Article Archived on 27.03.2008)
One wonders why on one hand Argentina wants NOK to fly but refuses permission for the Guide Dogs charity.
Urgent appeal as refused air space entry throws blind runner’s global seven marathons challenge off course
– seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days –
Blind Dave Heeley’s Seven Magnificent Marathons challenge has been thrown into jeopardy with just 26 days to go, following refusal for him to travel through Argentine air space on route to and from the first leg of his challenge in the Falkland Islands, on Monday 07 April. Event organiser, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has launched an urgent fundraising appeal for vital funds to meet the necessary increased costs associated with the new route and getting the challenge back on track.
The set back means Dave (a 50-year-old married father of three from West Bromwich, West Midlands), who was inspired to undertake the challenge through the independence provided by his guide dog, will no longer be able to follow the original plan to run the second (South American) leg of the challenge in Santiago, Chile.
Successfully working around the clock, Guide Dogs has secured a new location for the South American leg in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (avoiding Argentine air space). The additional costs come as a result of increased air travel fares for return flights from Rio De Janeiro to the Falklands.
It is hoped that the appeal will raise the necessary £20,000 needed to keep the challenge on course. Donations to the Seven Magnificent Marathons appeal can be made securely online at www.7mm.org.uk. Says Dave Heeley: “When planning a global event like this there are always going to be logistical problems to iron out – whether that be in physical training or in the planning of the route and flights around the globe. We have been unfortunate enough at this relatively late stage to be forced to change our route slightly due to the refusal to enter Argentine air space.
“We desperately need the support of individuals, groups and companies to help fund this route change to Rio De Janeiro, and get the challenge back on track. If as many people as possible visited our www.7mm.org.uk and donated just £1, or more, it would ensure that I have the opportunity prove to the world that sight loss is no barrier to human achievement.”
Following the first two marathons in the Falkland Islands and Rio De Janeiro, Dave and his sighted running guide Malcolm Carr, will complete five subsequent gruelling legs in Los Angeles (North America), Sydney (Australasia), Dubai (Asia), Tunis (Africa) and London (Europe) – arriving in spectacular style for the Flora London Marathon on Sunday 13 April. A total of 183.4 miles – 26.2 miles on each continent.
If the vital finds can be raised and Dave’s challenge goes ahead, he will become the first blind person to complete seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days. Only internationally renowned sighted adventurers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mike Stroud – who are readily supporting Dave – have ever completed this ultimate endurance test.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes says: “Dave's inspirational Seven Magnificent Marathons global challenge for Guide Dogs is made all the more extraordinary by the fact that he’s blind – further pushing the boundaries of human endeavour. I wholeheartedly support Dave as he runs the world to raise awareness of visual impairment and celebrate the independence, freedom and confidence that a guide dog provides.”
To ensure Dave’s Seven Magnificent Marathons can get back on track, visit 7mm.org.uk to donate securely online
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