A Wigan man whose daughter was stabbed during a French knife rampage completes an Alpine charity challenge
A Wigan dad has completed an extraordinary 176-mile 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, 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 14,354m 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.
“That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” said Dale.
“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.”
Throughout the journey, Dale battled soaring Alpine temperatures, thunderstorms and punishing climbs.
“The last few days were incredibly difficult,” 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.
"Watching the sunrise over the Mont Blanc massif from a mountain refuge on the Italian side of the Alps was a truly humbling experience.”
As he crossed between Italy and Switzerland, dramatic thunderstorms rolled through the mountains.
“After days of intense heat, I was almost looking forward to getting drenched,” Dale laughed.
The challenge eventually led Dale back to Annecy, where his daughter Ettie was one of four children injured in the 2023 attack. Thankfully all four children survived.
“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,” said Dale.
“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.”
Now six years old, Ettie continues to thrive.
“Ettie is incredibly clever, is excelling at school and loves the outdoors, hiking, gymnastics and drama classes - she amazes us every day,” said Dale, a property maintenance company boss.
“I want to give a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me in this challenge over the past couple of weeks.
"From friends and family to people I haven’t seen in more than 30 years, your generosity has been overwhelming.
"Together we’ve raised far more than expected for Derian House, and everyone should feel incredibly proud knowing every single penny is going to such an amazing cause.
“The people of Annecy have sincerely touched my heart with their love and support, despite what happened there, it will always hold a truly special place in my heart.
"I want to thank my partner Rickie for all of her support. I couldn’t wait to get back home to you and Ettie.”
Donate to Dale’s challenge: https://www.justgiving.com/page/dale-turner-1767174533499
Ann-Marie Fishwick, community fund-raiser 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.