From paddles to pounds - Stratford dragon boat racers raise £35,000 for hospice
THERE was victory for Blazing Paddles at this year’s Shakespeare Hospice dragon boat races… but there was just a whisker between the top teams.
The annual event took place on the River Avon in Stratford on Sunday (22nd September) with 25 teams taking part.
The rain came down, but the energy levels remained high as the final saw five teams separated by just 1.48 seconds.
However, victory went to Blazing Paddles, a group of friends (and their families) who met at a Body Pump class.
One of the team members, Jacquey Parker, was previously supp why they got involved in the dragon boat race.
She said: “I used the hospice and they were fantastic in supporting me. I was diagnosed with leukaemia after relocating to the area from Yorkshire. Somebody recommended that I get in touch with the Shakespeare Hospice and they were amazing.
“They were just not what I expected and went above and beyond for me. I would recommend them to anyone who is going through a similar experience, including partners and friends. They were just fantastic, and I’ve always wanted to support them, so I said why don’t we do the dragon boat race.
“It was 2021 when we did the first race and it snowballed from there. It’s amazing to win! This was our third attempt. Previously we finished fourth and second, and now we’re first, so third time lucky.”
She added: “After this year, we said never again, but I think we’ll now have to come back and defend our title.”
And they may face many of the same racers as 20 of the teams have signed up for next year’s race, which will be on 21st September.
The hospice said the event raised an impressive £35,000. The money will be used with its work supporting people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
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