I revisited the playground where my daughter survived a knife attack to take on challenge for Derian House
Dale undertook the challenge to mark three years since that horrific day.
A Lancashire dad has completed an extraordinary 284km journey across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps before returning to the playground in Annecy, France, where his daughter survived a knife attack when she was just three years old.
Dale Turner, 49, from Wigan, undertook the challenge to mark three years since his family’s ordeal while raising £5,990 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley.
Over the course of more than two weeks, Dale climbed a staggering 14,354 metres through some of Europe’s toughest mountain terrain, carrying only a backpack and spending nights in basic mountain refuges as he followed much of the world-famous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) route through France, Italy and Switzerland before continuing alone to Annecy.
Throughout the journey, Dale battled soaring Alpine temperatures, thunderstorms and punishing climbs.
He 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.
“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.”
As he crossed between Italy and Switzerland, dramatic thunderstorms rolled through the mountains.
The challenge eventually led Dale back to Annecy, where his daughter Ettie was one of four children injured in the 2023 attack. All four children survived.
Now six years old, Ettie continues to thrive.
He added: “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.”