Trophy presentation rounds off Skipton Swimarathon year
A FANTASTIC year for the Skipton Swimarathon has been rounded off with trophies for some of the participants.
Swimmers gathered at Beau Sejour to receive awards presented by guest of honour director of Public Health Nicola Brink.
‘This year really has been fantastic,’ said Skipton Swimarathon chairman Nick Guillemette, who is standing down.
He received a special cup for his outstanding contributions.
‘Guernsey is such a benevolent society. It’s unbelievable. We have recorded £79,000 and are expecting to collect in excess of £80,000.’
The money will go to the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, Citizens Advice Guernsey, Lions Club of Guernsey and Guernsey Round Table.
Mr Guillemette said Citizens Advice Guernsey was paying for a new IT system and for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, the money will cover the running cost of one of its apartments by Southampton hospital, which are free to use by Guernsey families with premature babies and young, sick children.
Dr Brink said at no time had the event been more important.
‘The money raised and contributions to these vital charities play such an important role for islanders and help the island move forward. It is truly exceptional.’
The first swimarathon was in 1977 and raised £20,000.
‘All charities in Guernsey are looking for funds so the Swimarathon never loses its sparkle,’ Mr Guillemette said.
‘There were 156 charities in 1977 and now there are over 450.’
The Beau Sejour Barracudas won two trophies for swimming the most laps.
‘It’s a nice feeling – you know you’ve worked so hard to achieve it,’ said Megan Carter, 10, who participates every year.
The Guernsey Press Cup was awarded to Grow Ltd for raising the most money in the public services category.
‘We’re really proud. We do it every year so it’s lovely to be recognised for that,’ said assistant manager Jessica Aughton.
Sam Winterflood from Grow Ltd said: ‘It was very good. I was in three Swimarathon teams this year.’
The special endeavour award was presented to William Banfield, who said he had participated in the Swimarathon for 10 years.
‘I’m really happy to have won this award,’ he said.
Richard and Karl notch up £10,000
TWO swimmers raised nearly £10,000 between them at this year’s Skipton Swimarathon.
Swimarathon chairman Nick Guillemette said Karl Enticott and Richard Coomer epitomised what the Swimarathon was all about.
The pair were given special thanks for their achievements.
Mr Enticott, who is known for his charity fundraising, said the Swimarathon community was like a family to him.
‘For me, the Swimarathon is like one big family – it’s great and has stood the test of time,’ he said.
‘Raising the money is good for my mental health and working with the charities is a chance to catch up, have a laugh, and meet more people.’
Mr Coomer has participated in the Swimarathon for two years and said he felt good about the sponsorship money he raised with his dog, Robbie.
‘I’m over the moon. Thank you to all the people whose doors I knocked on and to the pubs who donated – thank you to everybody everywhere.’
Mr Coomer is part of Outreach Guernsey and won four awards for raising the most money in various categories.
