Best year yet for Skipton Swimarathon!

Wednesday 09 October 2019

More than 2,500 swimmers managed to raise a record-breaking £56,427 at this year's Skipton Swimarathon - the highest sum since the event began 33 years ago.

2019 was also a record-breaker for participation, with 1,1250 students getting involved and hundreds more diving in at the Beau Sejour pool.

The community event was launchd by the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard Collas, on Wednesday evening and came to a close over the weekend.

Pictured: Some of this year's swimmers.

"We were blown away by people's generosity this year," said Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon Committee, Nick Guillemette. "Not only have we exceeded the amount raised from our 30th anniversary celebrations in 2006, but the addition of online donations through Giving.gg means that money continues to be collected following the event.

"We are hopeful that we may surpass the £60,000 mark and would also ask anyone that has yet to donate to do so through this channel."

Pictured: His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor learning about the Cardiac Action Group.

A large portion of this year's profits will go to the Cardiac Action Group, while some will be split between the Guernsey Round Table and the Lions Club of Guernsey.

"Since we began our work we have doubled access to defibrillators on the island," said Community Resuscitation Development Officer at CAG, Mike Froome. "With the support of the Skipton Swimarathon we can now continue to increase this number and hopefully provide training to everyone on how to use this equipment to save lives."

Pictured: The beginning of this year's Swimarathon.

The committee is urging participants to collect donations as soon as possible so they can be sent to the charities. Funds can be paid into the Swimarathon account at any HSBC branch, transferred electronically or delivered to the Federal Trust Office or Skipton International's Offices.

The efforts of those who took part will be recognised at a presentation evening at Beau Sejour on 16 October, where Managing Director of Skipton International, Jim Coupe will be handing out awards.