Runners treated to night of inspiration

News
16/08/2018

Marathon runner Dave Heeley inspired eager runners to use running to change their lives and the lives of many others through fundraising efforts.


Dave Heeley, who is the first blind person in the world to have completed the ultimate endurance challenge of seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, also gave useful tips and tricks on how best to prepare for the Birmingham Half Marathon.


He gave his inspirational talk at the LoveBrum ‘Runners’ Mingle’ evening hosted by Virgin Care Private at its Edmund Street clinic.


More than 50 people attended, with many sharing how inspired they were. Saleem Ahmed, a LoveBrum Trustee, said:

“Fan of blind Dave Heeley for life after tonight. I'll remember his words of inspiration over the next 12 weeks of training and in the half marathon too.”


“Such an inspiring evening at Virgin Care Private listening to Dave Heeley’s story and getting tips on how to train for a half marathon and raise money for Love Brum,”

added PR account executive Grace Rudd.


Hints and tips on how to train in a two-week programme, how to look after your body in preparation for and post running and how to stay healthy in both body and mind as training kicks off were given by the Virgin Care Private team.


People were told how they can visit the clinic, in the city centre of Birmingham, for accessible, pay-as-you-go health and wellbeing services including same day face-to-face GP appointments, vaccinations and private medicals alongside other services.


Richard Bath, Clinic Manager for Virgin Care Private, said:

“We’re proud to have been asked to host the LoveBrum Runners’ Mingle. At Virgin Care Private, we want to bring a feel-good factor to healthcare that is on demand so people can get the care they need when they need it, and at a place that’s accessible for much of Birmingham’s population.

“To give something back and help runners of all ages keep their health in check before and after they’ve clocked up the miles, we launched our #ShowYourMedal campaign to offer a 25% discount off chosen services to runners who show their medal or running number to our clinic team at their next appointment - so people can continue to live well, and stay well.”


Andy Whelan, Ambassador of Love Brum, said:

“Thank you to Virgin Care Private for hosting the Runners’ Mingle. We're even more excited for the half marathon in October and ready with advice on training, nutrition and fundraising from Virgin Care, as well as Dave Heeley.”