Skipton International celebrates 50 years of the Skipton Swimarathon

Former chairs, club presidents, volunteers, supporters and beneficiaries came together at Skipton International's headquarters to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Skipton Swimarathon, in what many described as a gathering that is unlikely ever to be repeated.

The reception brought together current and former presidents of the Lions Club of Guernsey and Guernsey Round Table, including Lions Club founding member Peter Martel. Former chairs of the Skipton Swimarathon Organising Committee Jeff Kitts, Steve Hogg and Derek Le Page, aged 92, joined current Chair John Stuart, bringing together decades of experience and memories of the event.

Guests included Chief Minister Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez and Deputy Andy Cameron, who organises the Deputies’ Swimarathon team each year.

The reception also recognised this year's main beneficiary, Les Bourgs Hospice, which is celebrating its own 35th anniversary. Representatives from the hospice joined former beneficiaries to reflect on the vital role the Skipton Swimarathon has played in supporting local charitable causes, with all funds raised going to support good causes in Guernsey. Les Bourgs Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support for patients and families across Guernsey, relying entirely on fundraising to provide its services.

Welcoming guests, Susan Fouquier, CEO of Skipton International, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the Skipton Swimarathon and its belief in the power of community-driven initiatives to make a lasting difference:

"The Skipton Swimarathon reflects the very best of our island community. For 50 years, volunteers, swimmers, supporters and sponsors have come together to raise vital funds for local causes and create something generations of islanders are proud to support. Skipton International has been part of this wonderful event for over 15 years, and we are delighted to continue our support in its landmark anniversary year. We look forward to helping the event thrive for many years to come."

John Stuart, Chair of the Skipton Swimarathon Organising Committee, then reflected on the event’s history, from its beginnings in 1977 to its place today as one of Guernsey’s best-known community fundraisers. While thanking Lions Club of Guernsey President Paul Allaway and Guernsey Round Table President Tom Herne for their organisations’ continued work on the event, he also recognised the lasting contribution of founding Chair Jurat Harry Bisson, who led the committee for 25 years.

John said:

"This wasn't only a celebration of 50 years of swimming and fundraising, but of the people behind it. Many of those in the room have dedicated countless hours to the Skipton Swimarathon over the decades, and some have been part of its story from the beginning. To have four of our last five chairs together, alongside former beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters, was truly special. It's unlikely we'll ever have so much of the Swimarathon's history gathered in one room again."

As the Skipton Swimarathon celebrates its landmark 50th year, the reception served not only as an opportunity to honour its rich history, but also to look ahead. While much of the evening focused on the people, charities and achievements that have defined the past five decades, there was equal enthusiasm for the future and confidence that the event will continue to unite the community and support worthy causes for many years to come.

The Skipton Swimarathon takes place from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October 2026. To register for the traditional event at Beau Sejour or find out more about the new Salty Swimarathon at La Vallette Bathing Pools, visit www.swimarathon.org.