'Blind Dave Heeley' starts scorching desert marathon

A blind man from West Bromwich is starting a scorching desert marathon today, raising money for charity.

'Blind Dave Heeley', as he is known, is taking on the gruelling Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert.

He's already well known across the region for his fundraising exploits, after becoming the first blind person to have run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, as well as running and cycling from John ‘O’ Groats to Lands End in 10 days.

The Marathon des Sables is thought to be the toughest foot race on earth, and Dave is carrying everything he needs for the 150-mile journey on his back - apart from water.

He is raising money for the West Bromwich Albion Foundation, and has so far raised over £20,000.