Teams Take On Boat Race Challenge To Raise Vital Funds

Second Dragon Boat Race is a huge success for Bury Hospice

Last weekend (Saturday 10th May), 14 teams of eager racers competed to become champions of the second Bury Hospice Dragon Boat Race.

The race saw the teams take part in a series of friendly but competitive races at Elton Sailing Club, as they were cheered on from the side-lines by excited colleagues, friends, and family.

The supportive competitors from: NWCE Foodservice Equipment; Made in Bury Ladies Brunch with Cross Plant; Cranswick Continental Foods; Bury BusinessLodge; Cura Accounting; Village Hotel; Essity (three teams: Stubbins, Skelmersdale, Oakenholt); Vinci Construction; Car Benefit Solutions; Beechfield Brands; Seddon Construction; and Crossfit Bury, made the day a fantastic one by taking on the sporting challenge with a passion to win and raise life-changing funds on behalf of the hospice.

The sun shone down, adding an extra warmth to the race proceedings.

Team Stubbins Sharks (Essity) claimed victory, winning the grand final to place first on the podium; the Oakenholt Warriors (Essity) came in second, and team Cranswick Cruisers (Cranswick Continental Foods) took third. Mayor of Bury, Cllr Khalid Hussain, and Mayoress Carol Bernstein handed out the well-earned awards, congratulating the competitors for doing a superb job.

Winners, Stubbins Sharks

Everybody had a great day; approximately 500 people came out to support the racers, taking part in the raffle, tombola and games, as well as making generous donations.

Nina Camplin, Senior Corporate Fundraiser at Bury Hospice, and boat race organiser, said: “Bury Hospice's second Dragon Boat Race was blessed for many reasons; the sun shone, many teams from last year joined us once again, and an annual healthy rivalry is now established!”

“The competitive and fun atmosphere was augmented even further by the addition of new teams.”

“Last year we had 10 teams, this year we had 14; this made for an exceptional day of fundraising for an exceptional cause.”

Nina herself, got recruited to boat crew position, first as a drummer, then as a rower, imbuing impassioned team spirit to get over the finish line.

At the time of publication, the fundraising total is approaching £20,000, as the teams push for last-minute donations post the race.

To find out about the events at Bury Hospice, head to: https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/events/