Legendary local marathon runner 'Blind' Dave Heeley OBE has urged people to take Covid-19 seriously and get vaccinated – after revealing his own battle with the virus.

Blind Dave, who is 63, caught Covid-19 in November 2020 and is still feeling the longer-term effects of the virus. A record-breaking marathon runner and lifelong West Bromwich Albion supporter, Dave went blind in his twenties.

He has told the story of how Covid-19 turned his life upside down and how he hopes that everyone follows the rules and gets vaccinated to get life back to normal. Dave said:

“I was diagnosed with Covid-19 in November and I can honestly say it was a living nightmare. The cough I had racked my body and my energy levels were so low it was ridiculous.

"Putting on a pair of socks took me over 20 minutes and walking down stairs was like running a marathon. I have to admit I was extremely worried.

“Many people will know me for running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, but to simply walk from room to room was a terrific effort; something I have never experienced in my life, total exhaustion.

“I don’t know where or how I got Covid-19 but I do know one thing – it has turned my life completely upside down. Three months ago, training and running 10 miles a day was the norm but, at the moment, I am struggling to make two miles. But I’m not prepared to let this virus beat me.”

Dave, who is a father of three, says his fitness levels before becoming ill probably prevented him from being hospitalised. He added:

“My fitness certainly helped me and I feel so lucky that I didn’t end up in intensive care. It proves Covid-19 is not particular about who it decides to attack. So many people still don’t understand how serious and devastating this virus can be for some people.

“I wouldn’t wish this awful virus on my worst enemy, it has devastating effects and has also killed so many thousands of people.”

Dave is urging people to continue to follow the rules to prevent the spread of the virus – and take up the offer of the vaccine as soon as they are offered it.

He insists the public should stop gathering in large numbers and wear a mask when required.

For more information on coronavirus - including the symptoms - you can visit blackcountryradio.co.uk/coronavirus.