Snow Camp’s Dan Keeley prepares to run 1100-miles
On April 29th 2023, Dan Keeley will embark on an epic 1,100-mile run from London to Rome in 35 days. Dan is not only a Community & Partnerships Manager at Snow Camp, a charity that helps disadvantaged young people through snowsports, but also an Ultra-Runner and a Mental Health Advocate.
This is not the first time Dan has taken on this challenge. In 2017, he ran from Rome to London to mark his recovery from bipolar disorder, a mental illness that nearly cost him his life. Dan experienced a psychotic episode in Italy in 2012, followed by months of severe depression and suicidal thoughts. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and spent time in psychiatric wards. He credits the NHS and his loved ones for supporting him through his darkest days, as well as Snow Camp founder Dan Charlish and the rest of the team for standing by him.
Home To Rome
Now, ten years later, Dan wants to share his message of hope and resilience with the world. He wants to inspire people to live with purpose, to prioritize their well-being, and to remember what truly matters in life. He also wants to raise awareness and funds for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a suicide prevention charity that he supports passionately. His goal is to raise at least £20,000 for their vital work.
Home to Rome is more than just a run. It’s a celebration of life, a tribute to recovery, and a call to action. Join Dan on his journey and help him make a difference.
Alicia Mackay, Senior Manager at CALM said:
“We’re honoured that Dan has taken on a challenge of a lifetime, again, to support 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 £5,000 fundraising target; equating 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. Where-as 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.
Chris Walker, Marketing Manager at Swift said:
“Dan approached Swift back in January with a plea for help, 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.”
Dan’s route runs from the London Eye to Greenwich Park before continuing to Rochester, Canterbury and the coast in Folkstone. From Calais, it’s a straight line to Lake Geneva, Montreaux and Martigny in Switzerland before climbing up & over the Great St Bernard Pass and dropping down to the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps. From Ivrea onwards, Dan crosses the spine of Italy to the eastern coastline before continuing on through Siena in Tuscany then onwards to Rome.
Dan’s aiming to complete the 1,100-miles in 35 days, averaging between 32 and 35 miles per day.
Dan said:
“With the memories from Rome to Home still fresh in my mind, and given where I was 10 years ago, to be setting off with my family on this next adventure is an opportunity I’m not taking for granted for a second. Given the momentum that’s building for Home to Rome, I’m delighted to see that my cause & message for this one is resonating again with a lot of people out there. Bring it on!”
Dan is inviting anyone that wishes to join him on Day 1 at the London Eye (Saturday 29th April) to arrive from 8am onwards ready for the 10am start.
Runners can choose to run 6.75-miles/11km to Greenwich Park, or continue on to Dartford, Gravesend or Rochester (33-miles in total). Day 2 to Canterbury Cathedral is a 27-mile straight line starting at 7am from Rochester Castle. From then onwards, Dan and his family head south to the coast ready to cross via Eurotunnel into France.
Dan is aiming to complete the adventure on Friday 2nd June at the Colosseum in Rome. Followers can enjoy the adventure unfold via the dedicated website
www.instagram.com/iamdankeeley
CALM JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hometorome2023
Snow Camp JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/hometoromethealpsstage
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