Over 1,700 swimmers, volunteers, and supporters took the plunge for the Skipton Swimarathon, raising £62,000 so far.
Donations and corporate pledges are still being processed, and organisers expect the total to rise in the coming days. Last year’s event finished above £65,000, and the committee is encouraging teams and supporters to complete their pledges to help match or beat that figure.
Now in its 49th year, the Skipton Swimarathon remains one of Guernsey’s most-loved community events, combining fun, fitness, and charitable giving. This year’s five-day fundraiser ran from 8 to 12 October at Beau Sejour, organised by a dedicated team including the Guernsey Round Table and the Lions Club of Guernsey, and proudly sponsored by Skipton International. Funds raised will support the main beneficiary of this year’s event, St John Guernsey LBG, and its community services.
Heather Langlois, Chief Executive Officer, St John Guernsey LBG, said: “Thank you to every swimmer, volunteer and donor. Your support directly funds our community first aid education, youth programmes and volunteer training, which sit outside the frontline ambulance service and are largely reliant on donations. The generosity shown this week will help us keep saving local lives.”
Charlotte Dunsterville, Chief Commercial Officer at Skipton International, said: “Guernsey turned out again in force once again. We’ve already raised an incredible £62,000 and with corporate gifts and team pledges still to come, that total will climb even higher. Whether you swam, sponsored, or volunteered, thank you for helping make this year’s event truly memorable.”
John Stuart, Chairman of the Skipton Swimarathon Organising Committee, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves once again in this unique event. One of the highlights was seeing octogenarian and retired physician Roger Allsopp swimming with the Guernsey Masters Swim team on Saturday evening and completing 34 laps which is 1,700 metres.”
Teams and supporters can still donate or settle pledges here.
Main image: JR Photography
