HUNDREDS of thrill-seekers zip-lined down from Cow and Calf rocks in Ilkley this weekend to raise money for charity.
The Zip the Cow event saw 400 daredevils walk to the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, before whizzing 270m down Ilkley Moor - raising more than £50,000 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds.
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.”
The sell-out event, sponsored by RDC Solicitors, 247 Nursing and Woodhouse Grove School saw brave individuals aged ranging from 8 to 87 take on the white-knuckle ride.
Molly Fuchs, 57, from Settle, is currently receiving care from Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice’s community team after being diagnosed with incurable cancer had a go.
She said: “It all went so quickly. 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. 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.”
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.
Next year’s Zip the Cow is now open for entries and will take place on July 22 and 23.
For all the details and to sign up, visit: racebest.com/races/s89uk.
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