Skipton Swimarathon names 2022 beneficiary

GROW Limited has been named as the beneficiary of the 2022 Skipton Swimarathon. The Guernsey charity, which supports people with a learning disability, is looking to raise funds for the redevelopment of its Coutanchez site. Money raised at this year’s event will contribute towards fitting out the training café, which will be used to prepare and serve fresh produce on site.

GROW Limited has been named as the beneficiary of the 2022 Skipton Swimarathon. The Guernsey charity, which supports people with a learning disability, is looking to raise funds for the redevelopment of its Coutanchez site. Money raised at this year’s event will contribute towards fitting out the training café, which will be used to prepare and serve fresh produce on site.

The £3 million redevelopment project is making excellent progress, and is set to be completed in Spring 2023. The new premises will be incorporated into three main structures - greenhouses, Facilities Centre and the Hospitality/Retail Training Centre and will be life changing for many people with learning disability or difficulties for decades to come.

John Stuart, who has taken over the helm of the Skipton Swimarathon committee this year, said “I am delighted that both organising clubs have chosen to support Grow with their fantastic project for revamping the traditional site. The plans look fantastic and the people of Guernsey can be justifiably proud with supporting this true community project that is a real jewel in the third sector crown”.

Jess Aughton is the new General Manager at GROW. She said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be confirmed as the major charity to benefit from this year’s Swimarathon.  Members of our Crew (as our attendees are known) always enjoy taking part in the event which makes this commitment to GROW even more special.  The funds will cover the cost of furniture and equipment for the training cafe along with the installation of a sensory garden in the foreground where customers can enjoy a relaxed ambience while they sample home-made fayre”.

The Skipton Swimarathon is jointly organised by the Lions and Round Table, and will take place between 5 and 9 October, with registration opening to the public in June at: www.swimarathon.org

For the second consecutive year, the Skipton Swimarathon broke its fundraising in 2021 by raising more than £85k towards local charities in the Bailiwick. The Swimarathon has been a fixture on the island’s calendar since 1977 and has grown to become Guernsey’s largest community fundraising event having raised more than £1,600,000 for local good causes.