Skipton Swimarathon extends the search for this year’s beneficiary

Saturday 06 March 2021

The search for this year’s main beneficiary from the Skipton Swimarathon has been extended, with one charity in line to receive tens of thousands of pounds.

The organising committee decided to give applicants more time to submit their proposals in the wake of lockdown restrictions, with Friday 12 March the final deadline.

Last year’s event saw a record number of participants take part and funds raised, as one of the few community fundraisers able to go ahead.

The Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association was last year’s main beneficiary - receiving £30,000 - which has enabled them to expand their ‘sitters’ service to offer care and respite for the carers of those suffering with dementia. 

The sums raised annually by the major fundraiser promise to turn the items on another charity's wish list into reality.

Skipton Swimarathon Committee Chairman Nick Guillemette said finding a project that will engage the public's fund-raising efforts is fundamental to the event itself.

“Circumstances have put pressure upon everyone and we want to give those worthy causes more time to prepare an application," he said.

"We know that due to the pandemic there will be many charities suffering at this time and plenty of worthy projects, so the more applications we have the greater chance there is of the event being a success.

“Over the past 44 years we have committed to several projects for different charities as well as sole beneficiaries, so the scope of our search is wide. We want to find a cause or causes that will unite the public and encourage as many people, schools and corporate organisations as possible to take to the pool to raise money and have fun.”

The funds raised are open to any local registered charities who are seeking both financial and moral support for their community projects. Charities can apply by completing a Skipton Swimarathon Beneficiary Application Form which can be downloaded from www.swimarathon.org.