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St. Thomas à Becket Foundation |
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making a
difference |
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Seven is a magical number. It always has been in our
tradition. |
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The 7
days of creation, the 7 sacraments, the 7 gifts of the
Holy Spirit. |
It is a magical and mysterious number and
therefore not surprising that on the 7th
of April David Heeley begins his 777 test in Port
Stanley, on the Falkland Islands. |
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On the 7th he sets out to achieve a feat of endurance
that
many professional athletes would find overwhelming. |
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He proposes to run seven marathons, on
seven continents, on seven successive days. |
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Following the 7
April David moves onto Santiago, the capital of Chile;
then on Wednesday, Los Angeles; on Thursday, Sydney;
Friday; Dubai; Saturday, Nairobi, the capital of Kenya
with the grand finale being the Flora Marathon in London
on Saturday 13 April.
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David Heeley |
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In
total David will run 183.4 miles in one week – 26.2 miles each
day – in Antarctica, South America, North America, Australasia,
Asia, Africa and Europe. |
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He will have to snatch as much sleep as he can on
flights, with the occasional short break in a hotel
room, and overcome problems such as jet lag, contrasting
climates and time zones.
The feat is all the more extraordinary because David,
50, did not take up serious running until he approached
middle age. |
He was born with the
degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa. His sight began
failing in childhood and deserted him entirely in his teens. He
studied carpentry at a college for the blind, and would work
today as a professional carpenter if he could.
But he pointed out:- |
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"If you're over 40 it's difficult to find a job, and
if you're over 40 and blind, nobody wants to employ you." |
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The day
Dave Heeley fell down a hole in the road, he realised that he badly
needed a guide dog. Until then, he had done his best not to draw
anyone's attention to the fact that the world was darkening around
him because of a degenerative eye disease. |
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His
first dog, as he puts it "opened his eyes", and since its arrival he
has turned his life into a mission to create publicity and raise
funds for the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.
In
November 2006 he ran the New York marathon in three and a half hours
– accompanied, as always, by a sighted guide who needs to be as fit
as he is.
"Blind Dave" – as he is inevitably known to other runners – will
need to be accompanied throughout by his friend and "seeing" runner
Malcolm Carr.
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Malcolm Carr and Dave |
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So
far, he has amassed pledges for the 777 attempt worth just over
£8,000.
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"We
probably won't ever know exactly how much we have raised,
because the fundraising will be going on for years and years.
Hopefully, it's going to be a continuous income. It also not
just about money, it's about raising awareness," he said |
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"Around the
world, every five seconds, someone loses their sight.
Having suffered sight loss, I know how terrifying life can seem. I have been
fortunate to have had my life transformed by guide dogs, which is why I am
determined to create awareness of visual impairment worldwide."
“Blind Dave” is an inspiration as is “Seeing Malcolm” who as friend and fellow
runner is a tremendous support and carer. There is no doubt that
David Heely would not be able to achieve this extraordinary feat without the
support and guidance of Malcolm Carr. |
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Throughout our diocese many people
devote themselves to caring for others.
For example in Luton once a month there
is a Mass organized by Kathy Scott,
Judith Beare and Bernard Conroy.
This Mass usually takes place on the
first Sunday of the month at 3 pm.
The location moves from parish to parish
throughout Luton. |
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The
Mass is offered for people with disabilities and
their families.
“I am always amazed by the number of people who turn
up each month. We just make a few phone calls
to the local priests and ask for a notice to be
placed in the newsletter. That’s all we do”
said Kathy Scott recently.What Kathy didn’t mention
is that she and Judith have been organising this
Mass for the best part of 30 years and Bernard for
at least 20.
Their commitment and care is inspirational, and a
tremendous testimony to living our faith. |
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Their
work will not receive the same publicity
that David Heely will undoubtedly and
deservedly receive; nevertheless their care
has been a marathon of love.
I wish David Heely and Malcolm Carr every
success in their 777 challenge and thank
every individual who offers time and support
for others. |
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It may not be as momentous as running 26 miles but each step
with another who needs our guiding hand is a beautiful and
magical act. |
BBC iPLAYER 13
APRIL
click here
CLICK ON THE RNIB AND
GUIDE DOG LOGOS ABOVE |
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