Dale Turner, a 49-year-old father from Wigan, has completed a gruelling 284-kilometre journey across the Alps, raising £5,990 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley. The trek marked three years since his daughter Ettie survived a knife attack in Annecy, France, when she was just three years old. Turner finished his journey at the same playground in Annecy where the incident occurred.
Epic route and physical challenges
Over more than two weeks, Turner climbed a total of 14,354 metres through tough mountain terrain while carrying a heavy backpack. He followed the famous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc route through France, Italy and Switzerland, sleeping in basic mountain refuges. The trekker faced extreme weather conditions, including thunderstorms and Alpine temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, which tested his endurance to the limit.
Turner said: “That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There have been aches, pains, goosebumps and tears; especially when meeting the mayor of Annecy. I’m feeling quite tired now but also very proud to have supported Derian House.” He added: “Carrying so much weight and enduring such high temperatures was a true test. Even high up in the mountains it was over 30 degrees some days, but the scenery was absolutely breath-taking and made every step worthwhile.”
Personal motivation and family impact
Turner’s daughter Ettie was one of four young children who survived the knife attack in 2023. Now six years old, she is thriving at school and enjoys gymnastics, drama and hiking. Turner said: “Every day since the attack I’ve been reminded just how lucky we are to enjoy a normal family life with our happy and healthy little girl. Yet it brings with it a heavy heart for the many families who aren’t as fortunate. With this challenge, I wanted to take my family’s experience and turn it into something positive for local families who need support the most.”
The father-of-one experienced dramatic thunderstorms as he crossed high borders between Italy and Switzerland, joking that after days of intense heat he was almost looking forward to getting drenched by the rain. He described watching the sunrise over the Mont Blanc massif from a mountain refuge on the Italian side of the Alps as “a truly humbling experience.”
Charity impact and gratitude
Derian House Children’s Hospice supports more than 400 babies, children and young people across the North West but must raise millions of pounds each year to survive. The hospice provides free care to families but costs around £6 million annually to run, receiving only 30% of its funding from the government. Ann-Marie Fishwick, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “It takes a great deal of strength and determination to complete a challenge like this, and we’re so grateful to Dale for choosing to support Derian House. Turning such a personal experience into something that will help other families really does mean the world to us. Every pound raised will help us continue to provide care, comfort and support to children and their families when they need it most.”
Turner thanked his family, friends and the people of Annecy for their overwhelming generosity and love, and praised his partner Rickie, saying he could not wait to get back home to his family. Donations can still be made via his JustGiving page.
