Swimarathon welcomes a full pool

Saturday 03 October 2020

The Skipton Swimarathon has filled all of its lanes for the first time in several years, as fundraisers of all ages get ready to make a splash for charity.

Last year’s charity swimming event saw a turnout of 2,500 swimmers, raising over £60,000.

All schools will, for the first time, participate alongside the usual ‘At Large’ schools of Beaucamps, St Sampson’s High, Le Murier and Elizabeth College. Over 500 students will be competing in their 25m school pools ahead of the main events at Beau Sejour on 7 October.

Nick Guillemette, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon Committee, is thrilled to see attendance records broken by this year’s event.

"At this stage no matter what happens next, I believe the event has been a success in terms of the overwhelming support we have received,” he said. 

“What we need to do now is ensure that this translates into donations for a number of worthy causes. I would encourage everyone to dig deep and spare whatever cash they possibly can to make a real difference to our community and people’s lives.”

Pictured: The 2019 Swimarathon, which saw donations reach past £60,000 for the first time in the event's 43-year history.

This year’s chief beneficiary is the Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association, who are looking to expand the support they offer to islanders suffering with dementia. 

“The increased demand on our charity has meant that we have already started to recruit additional sitters for the carers of those who suffer from a form of dementia, and therefore desperately need funds to cover the cost of their training,” said Julie Thompson, manager of the GAA.

“We have been amazed by the public support so far, and by the hard work of the Swimarathon organising committee in bringing about this event in the face of enormous challenges. We have every faith that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before.”

The marathon runs from 7-11 October, and the first swim will be opened by the Bailiff Richard McMahon.

The 11:00 session on 10 October will be launched by Director of Public Health Nicola Brink, in recognition of her work with the committee to ensure the Swimarathon could proceed safely with health guidelines in place.

Pictured Top: The Skipton Swimarathon Committee celebrating the launch of the 2020 event.