Carmine de Grandis has been supporting and raising (lots of) funds for CAC for years now. We’re delighted to say we’ve made it official, and the ultra-trail mountain runner has joined us as an Athlete Ambassador.
As is his tradition, at noon on December 22, despite the weather forecast, Carmine, his accordion and his band went a-carolling at Helvellyn to raise money for us!
Here’s what he had to say about the adventure!
The now traditional “outdoorsy people do Christmas Carols experience 2024″ reached its apex on Sunday, 22nd December by the dam underneath the Lake District hill, Catsycam, in near perfect winter conditions.
Around 30 people and many dogs met at 9am at the Glenridding car park. Due to a weather warning, we had to make the decision to do the Carols below Helvellyn rather than on the tops. Snow fell down to low level during the night with strong winds and poor visibility forecast. This meant we would not want people to attempt an unsafe climb in challenging conditions. The bad weather route of choice was to go up to the dam below Catsycam. This was a great hike with stunning views and lots of lakeland history. The hike was perfect and everyone had come prepared for winter conditions. The event brought people who had joined us in previous years and new ones.
During the hike everyone made new friends and shared stories – whether about life, mountains, adventures or Christmas – there was a very jolly and warm atmosphere in spite of the gusts of chilly wind which even in the sheltered valley provided a real challenge to all.
Carol singing was BRRRRRRRRRilliant! Traditional and more modern Carols were sung until my fingers almost dropped – I chose to play the accordion without gloves and this might have been a mistake.
At this point our group split. While some went back to the Ullswater Inn, the rest continued to the head of the Valley, just below Swirral Edge, reaching the first dam which had been placed strategically to provide hydro-electric power to the mines.
When the group re-united in the cosy and warm downstairs bar of the Ullswater Inn in Glenridding, some much needed mulled wine, mince pies and food was enjoyed by all.
I must thank Nicky for organising this with the new owners of the Ullswater Inn who kindly allowed us to use the room to show support towards our charity event.
Of course, the Christmas Carols bad weather route could not be over without the sing along session at the pub.
This year, the Caroling sounded even better because Peter, the fiddle player, joined in. We even had a verse of silent night in polish and “the 12 days of Christmas” cumbrian version sung at the top of our voices by all.
In conclusion, I can only say that my heart is full of gratitude.
I am grateful because I am able to enjoy the mountains with wonderful people – and this gives me life -.
I am grateful to share life stories – happy and sad – which change my life for the better seeing how others turn challenges into opportunities.
I am grateful because together we can dig deep when the path ahead is hard.
I am grateful because I have people around me who will always be ready to help.
I am thankful because of the community which comes together when I play the accordion and use music as a language which does not need words to express how we feel.
Finally and most importantly, I AM GRATEFUL because while playing Christmas Carols with amazing people, I am raising awareness and money for the amazing Climbers Against Cancer charity.
Through their international efforts CAC supports research to find a cure for cancer and helps those who are living with the illness.
In memory of my dad, my uncle, the young boy whose life was cut short, the mum who is undergoing chemotherapy and so many others, I want to help.
Please, if you can and if you have felt more festive or inspired to go outdoors through the Christmas Carols social media posts… donate to support the work Climbers Against Cancer does – anything you give will help and go directly to this great cause. We have a target of £1000 using the justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mountainaccordionman
If you need a little MORE INCENTIVE…
I felt it was not enough for me to organise the Carols and carry the accordion up the mountain, almost losing a couple of fingers in that cold wind (Slight exaggeration!), I actually run the Tour de Helvellyn, 37.5 miles and more than 2500m elevation in terrible weather the day before the Carols! It was hard… but I cannot even imagine how hard life is for those suffering because of cancer and for their families this Christmas.
If we help find a cure… next Christmas less people will be sad or feeling lost because of Cancer.
THANK YOU to all who followed and spread the word.
THANK YOU to those who came along.
THANK YOU to the brands and businesses who supported the event.
THANK YOU to my family who puts up with my crazy dreams.
THANK YOU to Radio Cumbria and Lancashire for the interviews.
THANK YOU to Climbers Against Cancer for all they do.
AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
Our most grateful thanks to Carmine for his past, present and future efforts on behalf of CAC.
And we’ll leave you with a short burst of one of the carols! That way you can practice and join Carmine next year!
