April 24, 2022
Record-breaking charity fundraiser “Blind” Dave Healey and his fellow cyclists made a final stop in Meriden at the weekend before the last stage of their 800-mile Escape from Colditz ride.
The West Bromwich-based marathon man called in at Meriden Hall, headquarters of recruitment specialist Pertemps, to rest and take on board food and liquids, and was joined by an additional peloton of cyclists for the final leg to The Hawthorns, in West Bromwich.
The additional riders included West Midlands Chief Constable Sir Dave Thompson and Chris Brunt, ex-West Brom footballer, who joined him for the final 30-mile stretch of the epic ride which has raised more than £30,000 for the Albion Foundation, supporting worthy causes in the region.
After arriving at Meriden, Dave, aged 64, said: “It was gruelling, it was painful. It was joyful – and there was a lot of banter.“I am not sure what is next to be honest, but I don’t think I have another 1,000-mile ride in me.“However, the turnout here to welcome the team back has just been incredible. What can I say?”Dave and his fellow cyclists pedalled from Colditz Castle, in Germany, to Birmingham in seven days. His final miles took him across Bedworth, Corley and Meriden, before heading up to Maxstoke and then across Birmingham.
You can still donate to boost the total further by visiting www.justgiving.com/teamblinddaveescapefromcolditz
