The organising committee of the Skipton Swimarathon, which includes Guernsey Round Table and Lions Club of Guernsey, has announced that its 49th edition will support St John Guernsey LBG as its main beneficiary.
This long-established local charity is dedicated to providing first aid treatment, education, and training across the Bailiwick.
The work of St John Guernsey LBG covers all of the St John activities outside of the frontline ambulance service. This means that the community services they provide are not funded by ambulance subscriptions, ambulance fees, or the States of Guernsey. Instead, the charity depends largely on donations and the dedication of volunteers to deliver these public services, including the provision of public event first aid, youth programmes, and their first aid in school programme.
As Heather Langlois, Chief Executive Officer of St John Guernsey, explains: “Many people don’t realise that our charity work isn’t covered by the ambulance subscriptions. We rely on the community’s generosity, be it through financial support or volunteering, to keep delivering essential lifesaving skills and care to islanders.”
Reflecting on the success of last year’s event, which raised over £65,000, the organising committee is eager to continue this momentum. John Stuart, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon Organising Committee, said: “We are thrilled to partner with St John for this year’s Swimarathon. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives and supporting our community aligns perfectly with the spirit of our event. We encourage everyone to dive in and make a difference.”
Heather added: “Being chosen as the beneficiary for the 2025 Skipton Swimarathon is an honour. This support will significantly enhance our ability to deliver essential first aid training and emergency care services to islanders. The community’s backing has always been our cornerstone, and we are very excited to be part of this collaborative endeavour.”
The 2025 Skipton Swimarathon is scheduled to take place from 8th to 12th October at Beau Sejour. Registration will open to the public at Easter. Participants are encouraged to form teams and start their fundraising efforts early.
Main picture, by Olly Tracey of On Screen Creations, shows (left to right): Oscar Webber, President of the Guernsey Round Table, John Stuart, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon Organising Committee, Heather Langlois, Chief Executive Officer of St John Guernsey, Paul Allaway, President of the Lions Club of Guernsey and Aaron Walden, Senior Commercial Manager, Skipton International.
