Here in West Bromwich, we have a
local hero named Dave Heeley. Those of a less PC bent call him Blind Dave. It’s
an epithet that makes me cringe, although he doesn’t seem to mind it.
Despite his handicap, Dave has
done a lot of fantastic work for West Bromwich Albion’s charity, The Albion
Foundation. This year, he became the first blind man to complete the gruelling
Marathon des Sables, a 160-mile run across the Sahara Desert. As if that wasn’t
achievement enough, less than two weeks later, he completed the London
Marathon.
To us Yam-yams (people from the
Black Country), he is a treasure; a genuine hero, with a special place in all
of our hearts. He ranks right up there with the late, great Jeff Astle.
So, it was a source of outrage
and dismay for us to learn that he was refused entry to the Prezzo in West
Bromwich town centre because he had Seamus with him. Seamus is his guide dog.
I could not believe it when I
heard about the incident. It’s bad enough that something like this could happen
to any blind person; but to treat Dave Heeley like this is disgusting. That man
has put more into this town than Prezzo ever has or ever will. Give us a choice
between Dave or Prezzo and we won’t even hesitate – Dave every time.
