Anyone following the top2toe blog by Garry will note that the cycling part was missing, due to Garry’s phone playing up and it appears it still is, he has now found his words and had to send them to me to put it on the blog site, so here goes,

So, after an emotional finish to the 5th Marathon for Team Blind Dave, and plenty packets of tissues later, its back on the road: next destination Stoke on Trent. As I mentioned earlier, the reception at The Railway was fantastic and as we reached the half-way point for the marathon’s, if ever Blind Dave needed a much deserved boost, he certainly got it! Thanks to all the staff at the Railway Pub, Euxton for their hospitality.

With all emotions firmly under control, it was time to hit the road again on two wheels, heading south down the A49 towards Wigan. It was dry, warm and bright as we set off from The Railway and the sending off was a loud one as we set off towards my home town of Wigan. The team seemed to flow down the A49 like the challenge had started from the beginning and soon hit the town centre, then soon left just as quickly. The roads where kind, with no surprise climbs or twists or heavy traffic to negotiate which were more than welcome.

Earlier on back at The Railway, my friend PC Simpson who was on duty had organised a block on the road ahead at a renowned busy Haydock Island junction where the M6 meets a main dual carriageway between Manchester & Liverpool. I informed the Team about the road block and they seemed to be a little excited about it although they could never have imagined what was about to happen. PC Simpson had asked me to let him know about a mile before so he could action the road block and I arranged to zip up to let him know when they approached. The team was in top gear as they blasted through Ashton in Makerfield and I went ahead to give my police friend the nod who said “how long have I got” to which I looked down the street and replied “erm, now”. PC Simpson scrambled the lads to the amazement of the team who were fast approaching!! With blue lights flashing, wheels screeching, smoke from the burning rubber and dust from the road bellowing into the air, a BMW X5 police car pulled out ahead of the team, then so did another, then so did another and yes, then so did another!!! Four BMW X5’s and PC Simpson in his car sped out just in front of Blind Dave and Mike on the tandem, even Mike was in amazement of it all as he tried to explain to Blind Dave what all the commotion was about. It must have even been exciting for Blind Dave with all the sounds that were going on only metres ahead of him. I pulled out of the junction just behind our team bus and pulled up alongside Steve Dourass and he said to me “did you see that?” I said “yes, it’s for us for the road ahead”, Steve replied “what, for us, you’re joking”. “No joke” I replied, “enjoy” I said as I left to re-join the tandem at the front behind the leading police car. Pulling up alongside Blind Dave & Mike on the Tandem I said “you’re going to enjoy flying through this busy junction, enjoy”. With the all clear off PC Simpson from his colleagues to sweep through, I gave the team the all clear to press ahead. The team were all smiles as they swept through red lights passing police car after police car until they reached the safety of the A49 once again. I said to Mike Hopkins “how did that feel?” to which he replied “it felt like royalty”. That was a massive boost to the team and morale was on a high as Warrington town centre drawed near! After careful navigation through standing traffic at road works by Mike, we skipped past Warrington and soon came across Knutsford. The pace was pretty fast, the weather was good and Andy had set up camp ahead on a pub car park!

After the short break it was time to press on through the winding roads of the A50 towards Holmes Chapel. Some several miles past Knutsford I went ahead to wait at the traffic lights but no sign of the team??? I waited some more then decided to backtrack to see what the problem was. I saw the team at the side of the road with a bike on the floor and all I heard on the way past, as I was waved over, was “he’s come off”. As I passed I thought to myself “my god, Blind Dave has come off the tandem” but when I had turned around I had mixed feelings. I realised that Blind Dave had not come off which I felt relieved but soon learned that Krazy Karl was the one who had hit the deck which left me wide eyed and wondering if he can continue! Karl had hit a larger than normal bump in the road and it threw him over the bars causing cuts, scrapes and bruising to his left side of his body including his arm and leg. Rosemary was doing a creditable job of patching him up whilst I took photos to use as evidence of the bump in the road and of we were so we can write to the council. Fortunately Karl’s bike was only subject to minor scratches and nothing more and like a true soldier he soon jumped back on to continue south! The whole scenario made for a slightly lesser speed as we weaved our way into Stoke and all the wise cracks, all the jokes had stopped as we all realised that accidents can happen for no apparent reason!!! As we turned towards the hotel, I could see the crowd waiting for us and the roar of applause from the waiting supporters brought the day to a fitting end once again. Karl’s family were waiting to show the support only to be left bewildered by his now bruising, now swollen and bloody left hand side of his body, to which I add he took great pleasure in showing it off!!!

We had organised an ice bath for Blind Dave and that did not come without choice words! Blind Dave lowered himself in cursing every man and his dog as his aching body came to terms with the sub zero temperature! Longy stuck his foot in the bath to ease some pain but credit where credit is due, Karl jumped in after Blind Dave to try and reduce and prevent further swelling following his ordeal. This left Longy with no choice so he ended up wholly submersed too as he felt compelled to do so after the other two put themselves through it!

Another great day was over filled with excitement and panic but that will not detract from the team that they have four more days left. Off for another 4 hours sleep now before Groundhog Day sets in once again!

** NEW CHALLENGE**
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Hi every one, Garry here! Weeks after the challenge, it would seem everyone
is still talking about it, donating money and amazed by it all, especially
Blind Daves achievements and as a Team, we thank each and every one of you!
It has come to light when i was going through the blogs with Blind Dave that
the day 5 blog when we cycled from The Railway Pub in Euxton to Stoke on
Trent did not fully upload, so i have now inserted that in! As some of you
know, i damaged my screen on my Iphone so this made uploads all the more
difficult throughout the challenge, but nevertheless, the rest of the blogs
remained intact!

With the challenge well and truly beaten, the legs and the scars healed, we
are, with all your support, well on the way to our Target of ONE HUNDRED
THOUSAND POUNDS!!

I would like to take this final opportunity to thank Blind Dave for inviting
me along on this epic journey and allowing me to steer the team all the way
from Top from Bottom. Also i need to thank him for allowing me to take
control of his blogs and his other media pages, though i guess after all
these years of knowing him he has learn’t to trust me somewhat! Thanks to
all who made up the team, yes each & every one of you whether it was
running, cycling, making cups or tending to the injured, you are a credit to
yourselves and i believe the team have become friends for life after sharing
a journey that will be etched into our lives forever!

Dave, you really are truly an amazing and inspirational role model for
everyone who you know. There’s only one BLIND
DAVE…………………………………………

Garry Wells

Some 12 days on from the gathering at John o Groats, the final chapter beckons. It’s been an emotional roller coaster ride and there have been challenges within the challenge but it has now been put to bed. This challenge is etched into the memories of each and everyone of us who helped Blind Dave complete a challenge that only others would dare dream about. For a team to gel so quickly, for a team to battle adverse weather conditions, for a team to look after each other and for a team to become firm friends makes it so rewarding in it’s own right! The party today(Saturday) brings closure to the challenge but opens doors to others that have already been talked about! It was always going to be a party with some surprises and boy did it live up to that! It was a brilliant turn out at The Yacht Inn and the mood in the room was electric. I had been warned to keep a video camera to hand by Blind Dave earlier that day but had no idea why! Dave had started his speech praising all of Team Blind Dave once more, signalling out each person as they came on board some 18 months ago but he had to(as he always does) save the best to last. He went on to say how Debs had been the backbone of all of this and how much love he has for her but the biggest surprise was still to come. Along with the pendant that he carried all the way from Top 2 Toe, he also carried a watch. The watch was not functional but instead it carried a clock face picture of all his immediate family, a thing which he would often show me and the others! Dave explained how he had carried this watch every step of the challenge and how he had thought of his secret wedding to Debs some 6 years ago in Gretna Green when he cycled past. He then opened the back of the watch to reveal a Diamond eternity ring to present to Debs as a token of his love for her, very emotional for them both and for the party crowd. Not to be left out, Steve Dourass, who ia marrying his long term girlfriend Tracy of 10 years, also jumped on the bandwagon by officially asking for her hand in marriage with another diamond ring. With all the speeches and marriage proposals over it was time to celebrate with some Top 2 Toe Champagne, Formula 1 style!! With corks popping from all corners, I decided that Dave should wear some of it so with no hesitation I poured some plonk over his head then others began to follow suit except Steve Dourass who decided to spray everyone and everything in true F1 style. All in all, a very fitting speech to end a challenge of a lifetime. What Blind Dave will come up with for next challenge, no body knows!!! (or does he) In closing I would personally like to add how priviledged I feel being part of the team behind Blind Dave during this challenge, a challenge that myself and every other team member will reflect on for the rest of our lives. Thanks Dave. There’s only one Blind Dave…… Garry Wells Top2Toe Challenge Motorcycle Outrider Tel: 07970 850181 Sponsor us at: www.justgiving.com/blinddavestop2toe Follow our blog at: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe

Thankyou

It seemed a long time coming but it’s here, the Grand Finale! Day 10 of 10 It’s dry, 10 degrees and the team is in a excited mood. There has already been talk of people not wanting it to end but as you know all good things…….. The expected forecast was a good one and it certainly shone on the team as soon as the run got underway. Everyone seemed to have more zest today and the buzz started early into the run as Blind Dave talked to Phil Upton on WM Radio again. There was a feeling that the worst of the challenge was over and this was just a coast in today. The last run lead us almost parallel with the A30, a road that Blind Dave wanted to stay away from as it gets very busy and safety is paramount on this challenge as it has been from day 1! Blind Dave looked like this was his first run, never mind the tenth one, infact there have been injuries throughout this challenge, upset stomachs, pulled muscles, cuts, bruises, twisted ankles,etc and none have them have are related to Dave, except a knee niggle which he has had from the start but our magnificent physio, Rosemary, kept that at bay. The run once again proved a difficult hurdle for Dave as mile 20 came and went and he really had to dig deep to push on, as the marathons went on, it seemed the same point every day were he had to pull the stops out to get past the wall! I had to take a small detour to try and add the miles to make it the distance on the finish at Jordans Cafe on the front in a town called Marizion but still it wasn’t enough and we had to run past the finish for three quarters of a mile before turning around to complete it. I had asked everyone to keep quiet as Dave passed by but the emotions for his supporters and family proved too much and they could not hold in their support for the team. We had already warned Dave that he might have to run past the finish line to complete the distance and he was ok with that but secretly he knew the finish had past him by and i’m convinced that he found it very hard to run past to return some time later, but only he will be able to answer that! The temperature hit 20 degrees as we were welcomed to the final marathon finish and the crowd and support was fantastice once again. Overwhelmed with emotion, Dave knew he had all but conquored this challenge leaving only a short bike ride to the finish. I allowed the normal hour to alllow for refreshments before embarking on the penultimate bike ride, Blind Dave had agreed with me that he wanted to just get it done so he could get back to relax with the family and a well earned beer. Duggie and Longy decided to ride the spare tandem to the finish line and we had the most bikers cycling together since the challenge began. A quick debrief then we were off on the final leg in the longest convoy of the challenge. The route was only a short one winding its way along the front to the short sharp climbs to Lands End. Emotions once again were at the forefront as the last few miles drew closer. Before the run kicked off this morning, Blind Dave rallied everyone together to debrief the team about the finish. He wanted to stop yards from the finish line and leave the bikes, motorbike, van behind us and walk accross the finish line. You see, although its his challenge he will always say its a team event and has done from day one. The finish line was in sight, there were people everywhere stood behind it but what a feeling it was to stop the vehicles yards from the finish line and stand arm in arm and prepare to walk across the line as a team. I made sure and reassured Blind Dave that everyone was in place from the original team that had been with him from the start and no one else, his request remember but one that the team accepted with pride. As we advanced to the finish line, the crowd, consisiting of family, friends, Macmillan, locals, passers by unleashed a mighty roar and then it hit home………………………..the challenge was complete. Lots of hugs, kisses, man hugs, hand shakes, tears, etc followed that as you would expect, for me it hit home when i seen the Lands End sign signalling John o Groats with New York 3147 miles away and John o Groats 874 miles in the opposite direction, that brought closure for me. For Blind Dave, it will be days, months, maybe years before it hits home what he has achieved and long may it last! For Blind Dave, its not set in yet but i caught up with him in between photo shoots to ask him his thoughts from day one. He went on to say” basically, I can’t believe we started the top 2 toe over 12 days ago pn the 10th August and now where standing at John o groats on the 19th. Everyone in the team knew what jon they had to do and they were all fantastic, like a well oiled clock and it’s proved itself as we crossed the finish line victoriously! I’m proud of the whole of my team ” For me, i feel proud to have been on the team behind Dave(as do all the others) and i am so glad that i accepted to be a part of the machine called Team Blind Dave, a team which has got stronger and stronger as the challenge advanced, a team that has seen new friendships evolve and there is no doubt it will remain in all of our memories a lifetime. THERES ONLY ONE BLIND DAVE !!! Garry Wells Top2Toe Challenge Motorcycle Outrider Tel: 07970 850181 Sponsor us at: www.justgiving.com/blinddavestop2toe Follow our blog at: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe

Done

Well prayers were answered when we left the Wilsey Down Hotel on two wheels. Todays ride was no where near the mileage of previous days and this was purposely planned for the remaining few days, a kind of wind down if you like. There were no mountains to climb today but when you’ve come this far any incline is a hill. Infact, Dave would have this as a swear word if possible!!! One thing we did notice on the way to Truro was the lack of willingness from other drivers to stop and give way, sometimes I’m literally putting my life at risk to try and stop the traffic! On today as a whole Blind Dave went on to say ” it’s been the penultimate day, the marathon was hard and I had to pull Karl through today which took my mind off me! The sun was shining for the cycle ride, which made people happy. Also because the ride was shorter today, it meant that people could rest, shower up, chill for a bit before going to dinner which I hope will boost everyone ahead of the final day”. Dave will never be over confident with any thing he takes on and goes on to say “hopefully lady luck will be shining down on me tomorrow and allow me to finish, I hope so”! Rest assured he WILL complete this even if the team have to carry him!!! Thank you to: Mark from Linebreak for supplying the clothing Garry Wells Top2Toe Challenge Motorcycle Outrider Tel: 07970 850181 Sponsor us at: www.justgiving.com/blinddavestop2toe Follow our blog at: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe

Back to the cold and the rain this morning as marathon no 9 got underway. Tiredness, tensions & anxiety are with the team this morning, thoughts are already prematurely jumping ahead to tomorrows final leg. There was some confusion with instructions this morning after a couple of three miles in which caused extra mileage but nevertheless we were soon back on track( after a few choice words of course!). The rain was relentless throughout except around four miles from the finish when it broke to allow for a dry finish at the 26.2 mark. A somewhat exhausted Dave said about today’s run ” this one now beats any other, it was hard & painful. Ive never known so many hills in a 26.2 mile stretch. If they wasn’t feeling it before they are now, my legs that is” Even Daves Wife, Debs got out the van and ran a tiny bit (won’t tell you how much) with Dave. A longer break today for the team before we embark on a hopefully dry 40 mile plus bike ride to Truro. Many thanks to PC Dave Trout who took time out to come and meet Dave today at the marathon finish and for all his help with his input!! Thank you to; The Wilsey Down Hotel for providing food & Drink FC Saddlers from Walsall for raising funds for our cause-thanks Guys!! Garry Wells Top2Toe Challenge Motorcycle Outrider Tel: 07970 850181 Sponsor us at: www.justgiving.com/blinddavestop2toe Follow our blog at: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe

Firstly, the team behind Blind Dave would like to wish both Dave & Debs a happy 6th Anniversary!! Pretty much the usual by way of sleep, just over 4 hours! Dave fell asleep during his massage and I didn’t even make it into bed, i did wake about 2 ish hearing Dave stumble to the toilet so a broken nights sleep for both of us at that! Needless to say, Dave was tired as he left the B&B but it’s always on his mind that we are closing in to Day number 10. The runs have been consistent so far but you could just sense that this one was going to take a little longer!! The route was flat really, which was welcome but the team was flagging due to tiredness, and yes, even Blind Dave too but somehow he managed an anniversary sprint to the finish line! I asked Dave the highs & lows of todays run, he replied “the low was I didn’t want to get out of bed but when I got going the knees, legs were actually not too bad! The banter with the team was fantastic and when the aches and pains came, it pulled me through. The highlight of the day was the sprint finish to see my Wife & kids but don’t think I’m going to sprint finish the last two” Another fantastic reception at The Lime Kiln but, just like any other day, it was soon time to hit the road on two wheels. Traffic seems to be harder to control as people just don’t want to stop but nevertheless the Blind Dave Heeley roadshow must go on! The route out took us to Taunton, Tiverton and Okehampton where we are staying the night. We was told that the hills in Okehampton were the mother of all hills. To be fair it was a serious incline but we just reminded ourselves about the hills of Glencoe then that was that put to bed! As Mike Hopkins said yesterday “every hill has a downside”. The last three or so hills were hard to say the least and all the team had to dig deep into their reserves to overcome them! There was a tremendous sense of relieve when the finish line was in sight but there will be even more tomorrow as it’s the last heavy day, although may I point out. It is only marathon number 9!! I asked Blind Dave to some up today, sat at the dining table awaiting a refuel, he commented ” I just think after Lord Mayor show yesterday ending on a high with 20 plus marathon runners we was back to the original team blind Dave today. The team is operating superb again, the weather was fantastic! Enjoyed running to to the finished today with a red rose for my wife in celebration of our anniversary. The cycling was hard work towards the end but we got here, same again tomorrow! Garry Wells Top2Toe Challenge Motorcycle Outrider Tel: 07970 850181 Sponsor us at: www.justgiving.com/blinddavestop2toe Follow our blog at: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe

Another 4.5 hrs sleep before the nightmare alarm sounded! Blind Dave was still being massaged as the clock struck midnight! His little toe on his right foot is an unsightly sight as his skin is unwrapping itself and his toe nail had departed company! I mentioned it to Duggie (one of the team cyclists) and he said “the guys not a normal human being”. Today was back to earth with a bump as full day including a marathon & 80 miles on the bike! The run started from outside the town hall in Victoria Square and as it lead out of town, Dave did an early interview on the radio without stopping! The route on the A38 was busy in places but the chanting with in the group made sure motorists knew we was there! Chants of “there’s only one Blind Dave” echoed out on the streets! The run itself was quite normal again with some Birmingham College runners also joining in the Marathon. The group of runners with team Blind Dave did dwindle a lot but I believe everyone of them eventually made it to the finish line to be greeted by a superb crowd at The Raven! It was interview after interview at The Raven before we set off into the sun on the biked! We was met by officer Phil Collins from Gloucester Police who escorted us through to the police station through the busy traffic, thanks for that! A massive thankyou to all at Gloucester Police who raised £500 for Macmillan. The cheque was presented to Blind Dave and Steve Dourass by Assistant Chief Constable Ivor Twydell along with Roy Jones and Andy Johnson. Thankyou to all for your hospitality! After being led out to the edge of the Gloucester boarder we tracked through the countryside to the New Ditch Farm where more were waiting to greet us at the finish!!! Another great day for support from all who turned out, thankyou! Tomorrow brings day 8 and another step closer to that all important finish line at Lands End!! Thankyou to: Linebreak for the leggings, Garry Wells Top2Toe Challenge Motorcycle Outrider Tel: 07970 850181 Sponsor us at: www.justgiving.com/blinddavestop2toe Follow our blog at: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe