Almost 500 rowers will take to the water this Sunday 26th April, as the Martin House Children’s Hospice annual Dragon Boat Race returns to Roundhay Park. After last year’s event was cancelled due to blue-green algae, 48 teams will battle it out on Waterloo Lake to be crowned champions and raise vital funds for the Yorkshire charity.
The event features colourful dragon boats, each manned by ten rowers and a drummer, with races starting at 10am and taking place every 10 minutes. Alongside the competitive heats, visitors to the Leeds park can enjoy a family funfair, a tug of war contest, and makers’ stalls. Since its debut in 2008, the fundraiser has raised over £800,000 to support children and families across the region.
Two teams competing this year carry a deeply personal connection to the hospice. Caroline and Michael Lambert are leading Team Evelyn in memory of their daughter, while Esta’s Stars are fundraising in memory of Esta Alina High. Both families were supported by Martin House during their most difficult moments, including use of the specialist Snowflake Suites, where families can spend time saying goodbye to their children.
Maddie Massey said: “The Dragon Boat Race is always a great spectacle. After last year’s cancellation, we’re so excited to bring the event back bigger and better than ever. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone – rowers, drummers and spectators – for their support. Every pound raised will help us continue providing specialist care and support to children, young people and their families across West, North and East Yorkshire, when they need it most.”
The event is supported by headline sponsor HARIBO, who will provide prizes for the best fancy dress and the team that raises the most money.
Tabea Powell said: “As lead sponsor, the Dragon Boat Race is always a hotly anticipated date in the calendar for the HARIBO UK team. We’re proud to have been a partner of this important Yorkshire charity and its fundraising campaigns for 18 years now, with our shared purpose of creating memorable moments of childlike happiness for children and families in need.”
To find out more about the hospice and the work they do, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk.
