Inspiration strikes at Telford Business Partnership
Business leaders in Telford say they have been truly inspired by on of the most motivational guest speakers they’ve ever had.
Telford Business Partnership welcomed Blind Dave Heeley and his guide dog, Seamus, to its quarterly breakfast meeting at The Holiday Inn, Telford.
Dave is renowned for his phenomenal charity efforts and is the only blind person (and only the fourth man in the world) to complete the Ultimate Endurance Challenge – seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
He spoke movingly about his experiences during the marathon challenge and revealed during the 168 hours he ran for just over 35, slept for just short of 20 hours and the rest was spent flying between continents.
“We flew in excess of 35,000 miles to enable us to achieve our goal, and I achieved my ambition by finishing the London Marathon on the seventh day – it was such a relief but at the same time, I was sorry it was over.”
Dave told Telford Business Partnership members he would never have completed the challenge without the support of his family and his back-up team.
“It’s amazing what the body and the mind will offer when you ask for it – it’s all about desire, and the two key things are teamwork and commitment.”
Outgoing Telford Business Partnership chairman, Graham Davies, said Dave’s inspirational story of how he had met life’s obstacles head on and overcome them had proved to be a great motivation for Telford Business Partnership members.
“It was really humbling to hear just how dedicated Dave is to making the most of every day, and there were some incredible stories which I’m sure our members will take away and learn from.”
As well as his Ultimate Endurance Challenge, which he ran with guide Malcolm Carr to raise money for Guide Dogs UK, Dave has driven a car around Brands Hatch, has ridden a motorbike, and even ran and cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Telford Business Partnership is a growing network of business and professional service companies who promote the diversity and quality of their services to local firms and those relocating to the area.
