Last weekend, 246 high flying fundraisers zipped the famous ‘Cow & Calf’ in Ilkley, raising £35,000 for palliative, end-of-life care and grief support charity, Sue Ryder.
Zip the Cow, held on Saturday 11 July, challenged fearless fundraisers to walk or ride to the top of the iconic ‘Cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley before soar over the Wharfe Valley on a 270-metre zip wire, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
Sponsored by LCF Law and Crag & Co. Accountants, this year's sell-out event offered participants the chance to zip in the daylight and at sunset.
Funds raised will support Sue Ryder which provides palliative and end-of-life and grief support, offering hope, dignity and kindness when it matters most.
Your local radio, Your Ilkley was there!
Among the zippers, was 89-years old, Joan, who took on the moo-mental challenge to celebrate her 90th year. On completing her zip, she said:
“It was such a perfect day. The weather was beautiful and most of my family were there to enjoy it with me, and we managed to raise some money along the way. I really enjoyed it, an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend anyone thinking of participating. Go for it , have some fun and help a good cause.”
[Joan and her family]
Andrew Wood, Senior Regional Fundraiser in the North, said:
“The event was a herd-earned success for everyone involved, and we’re so grateful to our brave fundraisers who went to new heights for Sue Ryder. Last year, Sue Ryder provided more than 655,000 hours of care, made possible by people like our zippers. The money raised through events like this truly makes a difference.
“Thank you also to our brilliant event partners, sponsors, volunteers, the incredible Riddlesden and East Morton Manorlands Fundraising Support Group and Carrs Billington for providing the machinery that was used to anchor the line. Without them, we couldn’t keep flying high for Sue Ryder each year.”
Next year’s Zip the Cow event takes place on Sunday 18 July 2027 and is now open for entries at sueryder.org/zipthecow
Ilkley to host Pumpkin Festival this half term
Ilkley swimmers take on English Channel challenge for earthquake-hit family
Louis Theroux makes special visit to Martin House children's hospice
Tributes paid to much-loved Ilkley performer Gary Holmes
‘Big Knickers Network’ set to launch in Ilkley
West Yorkshire Police trials world's first nitrous oxide breathalyser
Outside the Box expands services for adults with learning disabilities into Otley
The Box Tree unveils new-look restaurant and bar in Ilkley
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes to 'escalate' over half term
Ilkley to host first Pumpkin Festival this half term
Ilkley podiatrist wins national award for diabetic foot care
Ilkley church to host charity dance music night
Scarborough’s Alpamare waterpark set to be sold with 99-year car park lease
Martin House opens new memorial garden for bereaved families
Historic roof repairs get underway at Ilkley Manor House
Opening date announced for new Ilkley record shop
£2.95million country home near Ilkley goes on sale for first time in 30 years
Ilkley man to take on Yorkshire Three Peaks for brain injury charity
Judy Murray surprises young tennis players during Ilkley visit
New community podcast launched by Right at Home
