Compassionate Skipton Triathletes show why giving is so important

Entrants to Skipton Triathlon, Yorkshire, have generously donated almost £8,000 of their entry fees to the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice after this year’s event was cancelled. 

While the pandemic has impacted the entire Triathlon racing community, and many have been upset and frustrated over losing registration fees due to race cancellation, the participants of the Skipton Triathlon have shown us all we are stronger together in seeking the best possible solution for everyone involved by being charitable in these unprecedented times and why giving is so important. 

Craven District Council and Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice had agreed to form a partnership for the Skipton Triathlon sporting event. Manorlands Hospice were hoping to be able to use the events to raise funds, and participants to raise money for the charity with sponsorship forms, online fundraising and donations on entry.  

Last year’s Sprint Distance Triathlon, due to take place in April, was cancelled, and the decision was also made to cancel the 2021 event due to the uncertainties of Covid and ongoing restrictions. 

Every penny counts for Manorlands Hospice who provides expert palliative care, advice and support for local people who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. Therefore, Craven District Council gave entrants the option of giving their refunded entry fee to Manorlands – and around 230 people decided to do just that! This raised £7,818 of vitally needed funds. 

Molly Ralphson, community fundraiser at Manorlands, said: “This really is a great boost to us at a particularly difficult time. The charity is facing a shortfall of more than £1 million a month whilst its doctors and nurses continue to play a vital part in the Coronavirus effort and the generosity of the triathlon participants really will help to bridge this gap in income.” 

We don’t live in a perfect world, and there’s never going to be a perfect time to give—but there are always people out there in need of help. So, what better time to give up a little piece of our personal ideal situation and donate cancelled race entry fees to help others who really need it. In this respect, some 230 Skipton triathletes have really led the way in showing us why giving is so important.