Carmine De Grandis
An Accordion on the Mountains - in aid of Climbers Against Cancer
Fundraising for Climbers Against Cancer
Story
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW IT WENT:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSknL0m16Wc
BLOG: https://www.scarpa.co.uk/blogs/blog/the-national-three-peaks-accordion-eco-challenge-by-carmine-de-grandis
LATEST CHALLENGE:
NATIONAL THREE PEAKS WITH ACCORDION ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
My latest challenge is likely to be his toughest yet - climbing the National 3 Peaks with his Accordion, playing along the way and travelling between the mountains by bike and public transport - all to raise money for charity and make community-.
This last point is very important to me - aware of the potential environmental impact a challenge like this has. Typically someone climbing the 3 Peaks will drive 462 miles between the peaks, add in travel to the start and home from the end point and you have a lot of emissions produced solely from driving.
I live in Norfolk - so a long way from both his start point in Scotland and end point in Wales - so he decided to plot a more Eco friendly route.
The Plan
Aiming to finish the challenge in 36 hours I have set myself a schedule which allows for this slower form of travel - along with some time to enjoy the mountains with friends old and new.
Starting in Scotland - I plan to set off for the summit of Ben Nevis between 5 and 6am on Thursday 28th March.
Once I summit Ben Nevis - on to the Lake District and Scafell Pike - I will get the train to Windemere - then cycle to the Old Dungeon Gill - from there I will Climb Scafell by night.
Then on to the last peak - from the train station in Bangor I will cycle to Pen-y-Pass - then the Climb of Snowdon starts. Depending on the weather I will either use Pyg's Track or go over Grib Goch.
Once the challenge is complete - I will then cycle to Plas-y-Brennin, have a pint at the National Outdoors Centre and play a few tunes and tell his story.
The Cause
The challenge is a personal one for Carmine and achieving it will be satisfaction enough for Carmine - but he is also hoping to do some good and raise money for Climbers against Cancer along the way.
If you would like to help you can donate to his fundraiser here: Just Giving - Accordion Eco Challenge.
Follow my progress closely using my tracker: https://track.trail.live/event/carmineaccordionrounds and I will keep you updated on how I get on.
You can follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outdoorspirit1/ to get the latest on his challenge.
MY OVERALL PURPOSE FOR THIS FUNDRAISERS
I am running and playing the accordion as a way of raising the spirit of those who climb and are tired so that they can enjoy even more the experience and community of those who seek peace, joy or solace on the mountains.
I am raising funds for Climbers Against Cancer and Mountain Rescue. My dad died with this horrible illness and we all know someone who has gone too soon because of Cancer. We can defeat cancer together and helping the researchers who lead in this field.
Last December I raised and sent a bit more than £1000 during the "Highest Christmas Carols with Accordion" project.
During September 2023 I run the Dragon's Back Race and completed the hatchling course (6 days, 200k, 10000m, 52 hours) carryng my accordion across Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle and playing for the runners and bystanders on the hills and at camp.
I am committed to
#Carmineaccordionround #accordiononthemountains #accordionman project which will involve many trail/mountain races or challenges where you will find me (in person - if you come along - or through social media) on high peaks in any weather spreading joy and building community.
If you would like to donate and share a desire to support these charities, THANK YOU!
If you would like to share my story, please, I will be in debt to you. THANK YOU!
Yours
Carmine #accordionman #scarpaathlete
FOLLOW ME AND MY JOURNEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @outdoorspirit1
Facebook: cdegrandis