Swimarathon makes record-breaking splash

Wednesday 14 October 2020

This year’s Skipton Swimarathon has broken all of its previous records, with over £65,000 raised by more than 2,600 swimmers.

Family, friends, school students and local businesses swam a total of 700km over the five-day event - the equivalent of swimming to Poole and back three times.

“I am totally blown away by what a success this year has been,” said Swimarathon Committee Chairman Nick Guillemette. “This pandemic has forced many local charities to cancel their fundraising events, so we have been very fortunate to have been able to host this event.”

He also thanked Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink MBE, for her guidance on health and safety measures, without which the event would not have been able to take place.

The main beneficiary this year was the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association, who will use the money to support carers of people with a form of dementia. Some funds will also be donated to charities chosen by the Guernsey Lions and Guernsey Round Table, who co-organise the event.

Picured: Happy swimmers playing their part in this year's Skipton Swimarathon, which raised a record-breaking £65,000 for the Guernsey Alzheimer's Association.

“We feel incredibly humbled by how the public have embraced our cause and dug deep to give back,” said Julie Thompson, Manager of the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association. “The contribution from the Skipton Swimarathon will allow our charity to achieve so much more on the Island, extending our reach and providing families with the care and support they need.”