Drama focuses on Heeley becoming the first blind man to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents

A new film telling the true story of ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley and how he became the first blind man to run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents has been released.

The film also documents Heeley’s childhood and the barriers he has had to overcome throughout his life.

The 60-year-old runner from West Bromwich has raised over £3 million for various charities during the last 15 years by doing a series of incredible ultra-distance races and challenges around the world.

He has completed every race in the Great Run series and his seven marathons in seven days on seven continents challenge has him follow in the footsteps of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who is also patron of the new film.

“I was very pleased to hear a film project about Blind Dave Heeley was going to be made,” said Fiennes. “He’s an inspirational athlete and gentleman.”

The 45-minute film, which has already picked up awards in Los Angeles and Italy, was made by the Birmingham team of producer Nigel Davey and directors Ian and Dominic Higgins of Pixel Revolution Films.

“We didn’t make the film because of what Blind Dave Heeley has done, we made it because of who he is,” said Davey. “A complete inspiration to anyone who meets him.”

Higgins added: “There’s a moment in the film when Dave says ‘blindness has taught me another way to see the world’. This is the feel we wanted for the film.”

The cast includes London-based actor Jack Lane, who plays Heeley, and Birmingham-born Sarah Manners, who plays his wife, Debbie. Also appearing in the film are Harry Potter actors Oliver and James Phelps.

The film is now available here, with AW readers getting 15% off when using code ‘RUN777’ to purchase, and it will be available on Amazon Prime by December.