Organisers of charity swim are expecting big entry
ISLANDERS are being encouraged to sign up for his year’s Skipton Swimarathon, which takes place in October.
Organisers from the Guernsey Lions and Round Table are predicting that it will be a bumper year and the captain of a team taking part for the first time said its members were excited to be involved.
This is the 46th year of the annual fundraising event which this year is supporting mental health awareness, with Guernsey Mind and the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney sharing the proceeds.
‘Our team is happy to take part in this Guernsey institution for the very first time,’ said Heidi Sheppard, who is captaining a team of swimmers from staff at the Financial and Economic Crime Bureau.
‘We were enticed to take to the water by the two mental health charities who will be benefiting from the funds raised,’ she said.
‘Both Guernsey Mind and the Youth Commission for Guernsey & Alderney do an amazing job within the community, and if we can help by having a fun time in the pool, then why not?’
She said that while they were not the best swimmers, ‘it’s more about the fun than anything, and we’re all really looking forward to taking the plunge’.
A team of Guernsey States’ deputies will also be getting involved again.
‘Our dynamic group boasts a diverse age range, spanning from energetic 30-somethings to seasoned individuals in their 70s,’ said Andy Cameron.
‘Despite our mixed abilities, we have always embraced the spirit of camaraderie and support.
‘Last year’s Swimarathon was filled with unforgettable moments, one of which involved our humorous endeavour of pushing Deputy John Gollop up and down the lane in an inflatable ring for his lengths.’
Last year the team received the bronze award for fund-raising for Grow Ltd and Deputy Cameron said they hoped to surpass those efforts this time around.
. Anyone wishing to take part can sign up or re-register at www.swimarathon.org/register
