Huge Dragon Boat Festival returns to raise crucial funds for childhood cancer mission

Sophie Lewis
By Sophie Lewis

Digital Reporter

Published 5th Sep 2024, 17:11 BST
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Anticipated to be ‘bigger and better’, an annual charity Dragon Boat Festival will raise vital funds for the childhood cancer mission.

Organising the boat festival is Abbey’s Heroes, which is a Southampton-based charity that supports children and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. The Dragon Boat Festival is returning for its third year running and it will take place on September 7 at Hythe Marina from 10am.

The charity event will bring together 26 teams, each consisting of 17 members and it will be an intense competition. The top four fastest teams that will battle it out in the final race for the title of 2024 Dragon Boat Champions.

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The festival will also welcome a range of things to get involved in including the competition for best dressed team as well as food and drink to tuck into.

Sally Randall, Abby’s Heroes CEO, said: “This is one of our favourite fundraising events of the year and this year it will be bigger and better than ever before.

“With over 400 people taking part in this event it shines a huge light on childhood cancer and helps us all raise much needed funds to continue our support for children and young people diagnosed with cancer.”

Abbey's Heroes, based in Southampton, is organising its third annual dragon boat race to raise awareness and money for the childhood cancer mission.Abbey's Heroes, based in Southampton, is organising its third annual dragon boat race to raise awareness and money for the childhood cancer mission.
Abbey's Heroes, based in Southampton, is organising its third annual dragon boat race to raise awareness and money for the childhood cancer mission. | Abbey's Heroes

This year, the event is particularly special as five other children’s cancer charities—Alfie’s Wish, Dylan’s Quest, George’s Rockstars, Hannah’s Holiday Homes and Sophie’s Legacy—will be participating. All five of these charities have been founded by parents who have lost children to cancer and they provide essential support to families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

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University Hospital Southampton is one of only 22 Principal Treatment Centres for childhood cancer in the UK, serving a wide area that includes Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, West Sussex, south Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands.

Childhood cancer research receives 3 per cent of all cancer research funding. The Dragon Boat Festival not only brings the community together for a day but it also shines a light on the importance of supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

For more information about Abbey’s Heroes, click here.

Related topics:PortsmouthHampshireCharity Commission

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