Running Over the Alps
20th April 2023
Last modified on May 1st, 2023
Regular PlanetSKI reader and Snow Camp manager, Dan Keeley, is running 86-miles over the St Bernard Pass in three days. It is just part of his 1,100-mile run from London to Rome that is now underway. UPDATED
The mountain section has 3,872m of vertical/descent and Dan is raising money for the charity Snow Camp.
He started the run to Rome on Saturday 29th April.
Dan is Snow Camp’s Community & Partnerships Manager and a great friend of ours at PlanetSKI.
Image c/o Dan Keeley
The alpine section is set to begin on 15th May.
May 15th
Martigny (Switzerland) to the Great St Bernard Pass (Switzerland/Italy) – 28 miles with 1582m of elevation gain.
Image c/o Dan Keeley
May 16th
Great St Bernard Pass (Switzerland/Italy) to Aosta (Italy) – 24 miles with 2290m of decent.
Aosta Valley. Image © PlanetSKI.
May 17th
Aosta to Pont-St-Martin (Italy) – 34 miles with undulating trails through the Aosta Valley.
Image c/o Dan Keeley
So, who is Dan Keeley and why should you support him or even have an interest?
In 2012, after 6-months of pushing his mind to the limit having recently joined the Snow Camp team, Dan was hospitalised.
He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and faced the toughest mental battle of his life.
In 2017 Dan ran from the Colosseum in Rome to the London Eye to celebrate his recovery and raise funds for Snow Camp as he crossed the Alps.
Now he is doing it again, but going in the opposite direction – Home to Rome.
Image c/o Dan Keeley
Dan’s personal journey includes underlying childhood trauma which didn’t manifest until his early 20’s.
A full-scale psychotic episode in the summer of 2012 which culminated with him ‘preaching’ from the central lane of a motorway in northern Italy.
There was time in psychiatric wards.
Then his diagnoses of bipolar disorder.
It was followed by 6-months of debilitating depression which left him wanting to take his life.
During that time Dan Charlish and the Snow Camp team stuck by his side throughout.
Dan’s journey back to a stable and positive state of mind took 5-years.
He received excellent support from the NHS, coupled with an extensive amount of love, patience and compassion from those closest to him.
Image c/o Dan Keeley
A decade on from that defining chapter in his life is a celebration of living intentionally and remembering what really matters most.
Dan is dedicating the alpine section to Snow Camp with a minimum fundraising target of £2,000.
This will fund 20 young people onto Snow Camp’s life-changing journey in the charity’s 20th anniversary year.
This is where us snowsports lovers can help out.
He needs sponsorship so please, please donate:
Follow this link and contribute what you can – large or small.
Dan was recently closely involved in the 3 Valley Rally in Val Thorens that we have reported about on PlanetSKI.
Here he is keeping the scores at the biathlon.
Dan at the 3VR biathlon. Image c/o PlanetSKI
Home to Rome is predominantly in support of suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), with a minimum fundraising target of 20,000 to support their life-saving work; united against suicide across the UK.
“We’re honoured that Dan has taken on a challenge of a lifetime, again, to support CALM,” said Alicia Mackay, Senior Manager at CALM.
“The lengths our supporters go to in order to raise funds and awareness for our cause is staggering, and enables us to continue to be there for whoever is struggling.
“We wish Dan the best of luck on his incredible journey.”
The Alps Stage is dedicated to Snow Camp with a £2,000 fundraising target.
Thats equates to a full Snow Camp Bursary for one young person or 20 young people being able to join Snow Camp’s 2-day First Tracks programme in Snow Camp’s 20th anniversary year.
Home to Rome is powered by Swift as the title sponsor; the UK’s largest manufacturer of touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes with over 1,300 employees.
Whereas Rome to Home was solo & self-supported in 2017, Dan’s family (his Wife Georgie and two young children Max and Sophia) will be joining Dan for the adventure this time in their branded Swift Voyager 584.
“Dan approached Swift back in January with a plea for help,” said Chris Walker, Marketing Manager at Swift.
“We were delighted to be able to provide a Swift Voyager 584 to support Dan on his incredible journey that focusses on ‘the power of putting ourselves (and our health) first when we need to, whilst raising money for CALM.
“We hope the vehicle will provide Dan with that all important space to be able to recover, recharge and relax on what is undoubtedly a gruelling challenge and importantly allow his young family to be part of this epic adventure.”
To find out more about the adventure visit hometorome.run or follow Dan on social @IamDanKeeley.
To find out more about Snow Camp’s life-changing work visit snow-camp.org.uk
Image c/o Dan Keeley
About Snow Camp (Charity):
Snow Camp turn young lives around with the power of snowsports.
Established in 2003, Snow Camp break down barriers and broaden horizons for over 1000 young people annually by taking them on a 3-stage year-long journey away from the challenges they face in their daily lives.
To indoor slopes and the snow-capped peaks of the mountains.
Developing key life skills, qualifications and positive opportunities at every stage.
With more Snow Camp young people progressing into the snowsports industry and beyond, and with the charities 20th anniversary year in 2023, supporters can find out more and get involved by visiting snow-camp.org.uk.
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