As dozens of Ilkley Good Neighbours’ supporters brace themselves for a chilly sponsored plunge into the White Wells pool this March to raise funds, some of the charity’s trustees are also taking on personal challenges to bring in much-needed finance following Bradford Council’s recent decision to withdraw support for two of the charity’s essential projects.
The trustees are determined to complete extensive running and swimming sponsored feats to help raise money that will enable the charity continue its good work.
Vice Chair and trustee Penny Coulthard said:
“We’ve been looking at different ways to bring in funding in this, our 50th anniversary year, the need to raise additional finance has unfortunately become more important with the recent withdrawal of support from our two key projects, Shop Assist and Befriending, both of which are essential in helping the isolated and lonely in our community.”
Penny, who describes herself as a regular, but slow, runner with Ilkley Harriers, has been diligently training to run 50km as part of the North Downs Ridge Ultra Race in Surrey later in February.
Penny adds:
“I confess I’ve never run that distance before, the training has been demanding, but what keeps me going is when I see the great support our charity offers to older members in our area. That makes the effort worthwhile.”
Facing a different but no less arduous challenge is the charity’s Treasurer Ian Wilson. He has taken the watery route and his task is to swim 50 lengths of Ilkley Pool before breakfast, times 50, and is already half way to his goal.
Ian comments:
“As Treasurer I wanted to add my personal support to our fundraising efforts in our 50th anniversary year that would help it continue with the vital community work that our volunteers and team carry out on a daily basis. Getting psyched up each morning then taking to the water to do 50 lengths can be a daunting but it is in a good cause.”
Trustee Anita Dunford, who organises many of the social events with the charity, has also joined her colleagues with her own sponsored challenge. During February, March and April she is swimming 50km and says she sees this as more than a test of endurance:
“It’s an opportunity to make a significant impact. Every stroke in the water represents a step closer to supporting Ilkley and District Good Neighbours. I hope to inspire others to join in, whether through donations or by taking on their own challenges.”
Charity chair Ed Duguid – who is joining his colleagues and supporters for the “Take The Plunge Event” on the morning of Saturday March 8th – hopes that 50 “fellow dippers” will attend the event in its 50th anniversary year:
“I think there has been an increasing awareness of the role of Good Neighbours since the news of our cuts in funding. We have been overwhelmed by the support and donations we’ve received so far. Every contribution helps us.”
Also invited to the White Wells Dip is Ilkley's MP Robbie Moore, a long-time supporter of the charity, who said:
“Ilkley Good Neighbours is an absolutely fantastic charity improving the lives of vulnerable older people.
“They are looking for 50 people to be sponsored for the Saturday morning dip and if they reach that number I may have to join them!”
You can find out more about the White Wells dip and how to join at goodneighboursilkley.org.uk/white-wells-dip-fundraiser
To donate to a specific challenge visit www.justgiving.com and search for Ilkley Good Neighbours.
To donate via the charity website go to goodneighbours.ilkley.org.uk/ways-to-give/