Hundreds of local daredevils took to the sky over Ilkley at the weekend for a thrilling zip wire ride to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder.
Zip the Cow, which took place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July, saw brave individuals walk up to the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, before whizzing 270m down Ilkley Moor reaching speeds of up to 35mph.
Sponsored by RDC Solicitors, 247 Nursing and Woodhouse Grove School, the sold-out event saw 400 people ranging in age from 8 to 87 take on the white-knuckle ride, generating thousands of pounds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, which provide expert and compassionate palliative care to people living with life-limiting conditions.
This year organisers encouraged friends and families to Zip the Cow together, to set themselves a challenge or celebrate significant birthdays or special occasions that couldn’t be marked in the same way due to the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the people who took part was 57 year-old Molly Fuchs from Settle, who is currently receiving care from Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice’s community team after being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She said: “It all went so quickly! I had a lot of support from my friends which was lovely. I was a bit terrified to start with - it was just the fear of putting your foot out and there being nothing there that I struggled with! But I wore my cow outfit and I mooed all the way down! At the end my heart was racing and my legs were like jelly but I’m so glad I did it. I did say never again…but maybe! The team were amazing and I was so well looked after by everyone. I’m just really pleased to be able to support Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.”
Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: “There is always an electric atmosphere at Zip the Cow and it’s wonderful to see families and friends come together to have fun, try something new and share a truly memorable experience, all while raising funds for a great local charity.
“The event simply wouldn’t be able to go ahead without the support of the Riddlesden and East Morton Manorlands Fundraising Support Group, our brilliant sponsors, event partners, volunteers, and of course the intrepid individuals who bravely take on the challenge each year. We’d like to thank them for their support and generosity – it means the world.”
Next year’s Zip the Cow is now open for entries and will take place on the 22 and 23 July 2023. For all the details and to sign up, visit: racebest.com/races/s89uk
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