Almost 500 rowers will make a splash for cash this weekend when Martin House Children's Hospice's annual Dragon Boat Race returns.
On Sunday (26th April), visitors to Roundhay Park will see 48 teams - each made up of ten rowers and a drummer - go head-to-head in colourful dragon boats, battling to be crowned champions on Waterloo Lake.
Racing begins at 10am, with a series of heats culminating in a grand final, where the winners will take home the coveted Dragon Boat Race trophy.
Alongside the action on the water, visitors can enjoy a full day of entertainment, including a tug of war contest, family funfair, food and makers’ stalls, and a Martin House donation station for preloved items.
Now in its 18th year, the much-loved fundraising event has raised an incredible £848,513 since its debut in 2008.
The return of the race is particularly anticipated after last year’s event was cancelled due to blue-green algae on the lake.
Maddie Massey, special events team manager at Martin House, said:
“The Dragon Boat Race is always a great spectacle. With races taking place every 10 minutes, there’s plenty of fast-paced action for people to enjoy.
“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.”
“And thanks to our headline sponsor HARIBO, even more of the money raised at the Dragon Boat Race will go towards supporting families.”
Two of this year’s teams have a particularly personal connection to the hospice.
Caroline and Michael Lambert are leading Team Evelyn, named after their daughter, who died aged just seven months following a brain injury around the time of her birth.
Martin House supported the family with respite stays and symptom management, alongside 24/7 access to its specialist consultant doctors.
Over the years, Caroline and Michael have raised over £120,000 for the charity, and their Dragon Boat team has already raised a fantastic £2,361.
Esta’s Stars are fundraising in memory of Esta Alina High, who died aged just five months and 21 days in November 2023 from bacterial meningitis, sepsis and meningoencephalitis.
After her death, Esta was moved to one of Martin House’s Snowflake Suites – specialised, cooled bedrooms where families can spend precious time together and say goodbye to their child.
The family stayed for a full week, and have since raised an amazing £5,646 for the hospice through this year’s event.
HARIBO is also providing a prize to the team that raises the most money for Martin House, and the team with the best fancy dress.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, 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.
"Our team HARIBO will be out in full force with our paddles at the ready!”
Races start around 10am and go on throughout the day.
To find out more about Martin House and how you can support it, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk.
Ripon Grammar named North of England Grammar School of the Year
Harrogate girls to benefit from free football academy
Vikings to invade Himalayan Gardens for action-packed family weekend
Locations revealed for Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration displays
Climate champions recognised at RHS Harlow Carr
Ofsted full of praise for Nidderdale High School
Starbeck community festival to return this weekend
Ripon Pride organisers thank local business for helping expand popular event
Harrogate's West Park Hotel recognised with top Tripadvisor award
Harrogate community comes together for Valley Gardens litter pick
Lauren Doherty Road Safety Talks celebrates 10 years
Ripon Rugby Club praised for helping keep popular inclusion festival free
Harrogate man is tenth Free Fuel Friday winner
Transdev to provide free travel on Armed Forces Day
Ripon student crowned British U18 fell running champion
Opticians in Ripon support pride event with £500 donation
Love Island's Alex Bowen to host Ibiza-themed fitness event in Harrogate PureGym
Magical Spiegeltent Festival is back in Harrogate
Ashville Headteacher shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year
Stephen Mangan and Fearne Cotton expected at Brimham Rocks
