MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Charity run Falklands leg delayed by Argentina

Dave and Malcolm begin Falklands Marathon<br>Photo: (7 Magnificent Marathons)

DESPITE interference by Argentine authorities, Blind Dave Heeley's inspirational challenge to complete seven marathons on seven continents in seven days got off to a spectacular and successful start with a jet fly past at Mount Pleasant Complex, Falkland Islands at 00:01 GMT on Monday 7 April.

Dave and his team were delayed by four hours when, having landed in Montevideo, Uruguay, to refuel on Saturday, it was insisted that they fly on to Buenos Aires in Argentina to complete paperwork before their onward journey to the Falkland Islands. It had been intended the chartered aircraft be flown straight from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil but concerns about fuel and headwinds lead to a landing in Uruguay. Hugh Marsden, a Falklands marathon runner who accompanied Dave on his MPA leg said, "It wasn't a good start, the team seemed very disillusioned and a bit shell-shocked when they arrived in the Falklands. They really thought they had taken all counter measures so that there would be no problems with Argentina." Hugh said he understood paperwork had to be completed in Buenos Aires and the team had had to have their passports stamped in order to satisfy authorities that it appeared they were flying from Buenos Aires into an Argentine province. Despite the initial problems the run itself went "...successfully and smoothly," confirmed Hugh, "...of course, with it being the first leg then they wouldn't have expected any difficulties. He had massive support from all ranks and services from the British forces at MPA, it was very well organized – they even laid plywood over the cattle grids for Dave." As well as Dave, his guide and Hugh, they were also accompanied by Cpl Simon Almond who took first place in the Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank Marathon last month. Dave had only around six hours from leaving the Falklands before beginning his next marathon in Rio de Janeiro. He runs in order t raise funds for the international charity, 'Guide dogs for the blind'. By Lisa Johnston - SeAled PR - Stanley Donations to raise funds for Guide Dogs through Dave Heeley's 7 Magnificent Marathons can be made at www.7mm.org.uk