320 thrill-seekers soared over Ilkley last weekend, raising an incredible £40,000 for national healthcare and bereavement charity Sue Ryder.
Zip the Cow, held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July, challenged daring participants to scale the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks, then fly 270 metres across Ilkley Moor at speeds of up to 35mph.
Sponsored by Bunton’s Plant Hire and Crag & Co. accountants of Skipton, the event welcomed people aged 8 to 81 to take on this one-of-a-kind adventure. Every zip helps fund Sue Ryder’s expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support, enabling the charity to continue being there when it matters most.
Sue Ryder also welcomed staff from Yorkshire Building Society on Friday 25 July. More than 260 colleagues took part throughout the day, with some zipping the Cow for their chosen charity, FareShare. Together, they raised over £41,000 for Sue Ryder and FareShare.

Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said:
“We hope everyone who zipped across Ilkley has now come back down to earth! The event was electric once again and it was fantastic to see families, friends, and local businesses moo-ving as one for a meaningful cause. The event wouldn’t be possible without our brilliant event partners, sponsors, volunteers and the incredible Riddlesden and East Morton Manorlands Fundraising Support Group, not to mention the brave herd who sign up each year. Thank you all, it really does mean the world.”
Next year’s Zip the Cow event takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026, with an exciting twist planned. Be sure to moo-ve fast to grab your spot on the wire. For full details and to sign up, visit: sueryder.org/zipthecow
Any businesses interested in a bespoke Zip the Cow staff day on Friday 10 July 2026 should contact Andrew Wood at andrew.wood@sueryder.org.

Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’


