Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Robert Palmer

Mercy Mercy Me-I Want You

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley friends complete Reiki Ramble for Val

Friday, 8 May 2026 11:14

A group of Ilkley friends have completed a fundraising walk, Reiki Ramble 4 Val, to support a friend who was paralysed after a terrible car crash.

Physiotherapist Val Jones has resided in hospital since June 2025 when she was the victim of a terrible car crash and paralysed from the neck down. Val is awaiting the adaptation of her home so that she can finally leave the spinal injuries unit after 11 months and return home with all the care and equipment that she needs.

Lois Skilleter, a reiki master from Ilkley, organised the sponsored walk with Jan Hill. The ramblers walked the full 32 miles of the Yorkshire coast from Runswick Bay to Scarborough North Bay over the three days at the start of May.

Wearing their “Pink Lady” tabards, they generated interest as they walked a combination of the coastal path and the old railway line, promoting Val’s fundraiser and obtaining sponsorship from the incredibly generous people they met.

Val Jones said:

“I can’t believe the grit and determination of you Yorkshire folk! Not all heroes wear capes, some wear pink tabards!”

To date, they have raised well over £2500 and are hoping they might make it to £3000. Adaptations to Val’s home has now started.

Lois said she is ‘over the moon to have raised so much money for Val’, adding:

"After a lot of miles practising on Ilkley and Middleton moors and by the river, I was happy to have the level of fitness required to meet the challenge."

Grateful Val thanks everyone who donated, praising the kindness of strangers, whom she now calls her friends.

The link to donate to Val is https://www.gofundme.com/f/val-jones-journey-to-home and if you’re able to add “RR” in the surname box, it helps Val’s family to identify the donations given via the Reiki Ramble!

More from Local news

Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido

Hundreds of dogs are expected to make a splash at Ilkley Lido when its popular Doggy Days return next month.
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme

A popular community cinema programme is returning to Ilkley following a summer break.
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year

Family-run care provider Spellman Care is celebrating after winning a major prize at the Keighley and Airedale Business Awards.
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Runners taking on this year's Great North Run have raised more than £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event

Sir Gareth Southgate was among a host of sporting stars who helped raise more than £23,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice at Ilkley Golf Club.
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display

Tickets have gone on sale for Ashlands Bonfire as the popular Ilkley event prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley

Drivers are being warned of possible delays as roadworks get underway on the A65 near Ilkley.
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub

The Crescent Inn and Bistrot Pierre have become the latest Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley.
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide

An Ilkley Indian takeaway is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for 2026.
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours

A branch of McDonalds that opened two years ago has applied to change its opening hours.
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday

An Ilkley care home resident has celebrated a remarkable milestone after turning 106.
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley

Fresh handmade bread is being added to the shelves at Three Little Birds Bakery in Ilkley following growing demand from customers.
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street

The man behind two former Vietnamese restaurants is preparing to make a return to Ilkley town centre.
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event

A new independent travel agency in Ilkley is inviting locals to celebrate the opening of its latest branch next month.
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son

A mental health awareness campaign has been launched in memory of a man who died in Ilkley earlier this year.
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival

Yorkshire's literary talent will take centre stage when Ilkley Literature Festival returns next month, with a third of this year's authors having links to the county.
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital

A charity golf day has raised more than £4,300 to support patients, families and staff at Airedale.
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.