Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society

Dan Pye's GNR Fundraiser

Dan Pye

Dan Pye

My Story

Alreet, I'm Dan P (the cooler of the 2 Dan's from Kielder), I'm Director of Astronomy and Science Communication (Deputy CEO) at Kielder Observatory. If I didn't raise money for Kielder Observatory on this run, I would probably be fired, or at least in the dog house... so, here we are! In seriousness, and I love the night sky and what it can both teach us and make us feel. In 2016 I started volunteering at Kielder Observatory, it significantly helped put me back on a better mental path, and saved me from myself. I was struggling with the closure of my cafe and events business, and put my reliance on an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. The mental rehabilitation through learning about our Universe changed my life. Now I have the privilege of guiding the organisation to do more of the same for others as an employed member of the senior team. 

I truely believe that Kielder Observatory is the biggest most influencial of astronomical science communication in the UK. Thanks to years of dedication from our incredible communications team, and the work we do not just on site, but across the whole country, sharing our passion and knowledge with everyone and anyone we meet.

Follow along with my progress on Strava - https://strava.app.link/u1enOdwD3Zb

 

My running journey

I've been running since September 2025, following attending the GNR as a spectator to cheer on our runners from last year, I was inspired. I also had a notification from my Apple Watch telling me that I was unfit... so, as I'm approaching 40, I thought I better start looking after myself a little more, and running seemed to be a good way to do that.

Had you said to me, "Dan, you'll be a runner" at any point during my life previously, I'd have laughed and said "not a chance". Not because of lack of desire, but because since I was a kid, I'd had issues with my legs and back. At school, I was often excused from PE by the physio because of developmental issues with my hips and knees. I was a very keen swimmer, but impact sports were never something I took part in. As I got older, I started to develop the usual lower back issues, and was diagnosed with nerve impingement giving me hellish sciatic issues and scoliosis after a raft of scans. Turns out, these were only minor, and with some intense physio it can be helped, but one of the things the physio told me was that running could be the best thing I could do for my body. So, off I went. I did Couch to 5K, and I can only explain it as an enlightening, emotional, and euphoric experience. It's absolutely the best thing I have done for both my body and mind. 

So, now what... well, like anyone who takes up running, when you get the bug you sign up for everything! And the GNR is the ultimate goal for me. I'll feel more like a true Geordie if I complete this (and the Blaydon Races).  

Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society

Raising for:

Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society
11%

Funded

  • Target
    £300
  • Raised so far
    £33
  • Number of donors
    3

My Story

Alreet, I'm Dan P (the cooler of the 2 Dan's from Kielder), I'm Director of Astronomy and Science Communication (Deputy CEO) at Kielder Observatory. If I didn't raise money for Kielder Observatory on this run, I would probably be fired, or at least in the dog house... so, here we are! In seriousness, and I love the night sky and what it can both teach us and make us feel. In 2016 I started volunteering at Kielder Observatory, it significantly helped put me back on a better mental path, and saved me from myself. I was struggling with the closure of my cafe and events business, and put my reliance on an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. The mental rehabilitation through learning about our Universe changed my life. Now I have the privilege of guiding the organisation to do more of the same for others as an employed member of the senior team. 

I truely believe that Kielder Observatory is the biggest most influencial of astronomical science communication in the UK. Thanks to years of dedication from our incredible communications team, and the work we do not just on site, but across the whole country, sharing our passion and knowledge with everyone and anyone we meet.

Follow along with my progress on Strava - https://strava.app.link/u1enOdwD3Zb

 

My running journey

I've been running since September 2025, following attending the GNR as a spectator to cheer on our runners from last year, I was inspired. I also had a notification from my Apple Watch telling me that I was unfit... so, as I'm approaching 40, I thought I better start looking after myself a little more, and running seemed to be a good way to do that.

Had you said to me, "Dan, you'll be a runner" at any point during my life previously, I'd have laughed and said "not a chance". Not because of lack of desire, but because since I was a kid, I'd had issues with my legs and back. At school, I was often excused from PE by the physio because of developmental issues with my hips and knees. I was a very keen swimmer, but impact sports were never something I took part in. As I got older, I started to develop the usual lower back issues, and was diagnosed with nerve impingement giving me hellish sciatic issues and scoliosis after a raft of scans. Turns out, these were only minor, and with some intense physio it can be helped, but one of the things the physio told me was that running could be the best thing I could do for my body. So, off I went. I did Couch to 5K, and I can only explain it as an enlightening, emotional, and euphoric experience. It's absolutely the best thing I have done for both my body and mind. 

So, now what... well, like anyone who takes up running, when you get the bug you sign up for everything! And the GNR is the ultimate goal for me. I'll feel more like a true Geordie if I complete this (and the Blaydon Races).