The 50th Skipton Swimarathon has already raised more than £70,000, surpassing last year’s total, with some school swims and further donations still to come.
Around 1,500 swimmers covered more than 590 kilometres (366 miles) at Beau Sejour and during the inaugural Salty Swimarathon at La Vallette Bathing Pools. The event’s main beneficiary this year is Les Bourgs Hospice, which is marking its 35th anniversary. The Hospice provides specialist palliative care to patients and support for their families, relying entirely on fundraising to meet the annual cost of delivering its services.
The fundraising has continued through the Skipton Swimarathon At Large, giving pupils the opportunity to take part through school-based swims.
John Stuart, Chair of the Organising Committee, said: “The main organisers Guernsey Round Table and Lions Club of Guernsey are utterly delighted at the success of the 2026 swim. Raising more than £70,000 already is a fitting way to mark the 50th anniversary, and the total will continue to grow.
“We would like to thank everyone who swam, volunteered, donated or helped organise the event at Beau Sejour and La Vallette. With further support from Les Beaucamps, St. Sampsons High and Les Murier schools this week, it will ensure the half-century running of the event reaches even more young people across the island.”
Pete Turner, Chief Operating Officer at Skipton International, said: “The response to this year’s milestone event shows that the Skipton Swimarathon remains as important to Guernsey as ever. Reaching its 50th year and already exceeding last year’s fundraising total is a remarkable achievement.
“Skipton International has supported the Swimarathon for more than 15 years because few events bring islanders of all ages together in quite the same way. It creates a shared sense of purpose and shows what our community can achieve when people come together behind a local cause.”
Rob Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Les Bourgs Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped raise more than £70,000 so far. Every swimmer, volunteer, donor and supporter has contributed to an outstanding anniversary event.
“The funding will help us continue providing specialist care for patients and practical and emotional support for their families. It also helps raise awareness of our work and the importance of ensuring this care remains available to islanders when they need it.”
Picture credit: John Ross Photography
