'Blind Dave' Heeley faces toughest fundraising challenge

A blind marathon runner who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity is about to embark on his toughest challenge.

Dave Heeley, known as "Blind Dave", from West Bromwich, is learning to swim so he can take part in the Escape From Alcatraz triathlon in June. Competitors have to swim one-and-a-half miles from Alcatraz island, home to the notorious American prison in San Francisco Bay. They then cycle for 18 miles, and run for a further eight.

In 2008 Mr Heeley ran seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.

Of his latest challenge, he said: "I am questioning my sanity."

Alcatraz picture courtesy Getty Images