Businesses from across the city are being invited to battle it out at this year’s annual Brindleyplace Dragonboat Race on Saturday 15 June, to raise money for Cure Leukaemia.
Now in its 20th year, the Dragonboat Race returns to the canal at Brindleyplace as part of the estate’s Family Festival. With entries now open, business professionals are being encouraged to take to the water in 20ft traditional Chinese longboats to demonstrate their paddling-power; swapping suits for fancy dress, as they compete in a series of challenging heats, all in the name of charity.
Sponsored by Deutsche Bank, the Dragonboat Race is just one of the activities taking place at this year’s Family Festival. Offering fun for all ages, there will be plenty planned throughout the day in Central Square, including workshops, live music, a magician and even a petting zoo.
Last year’s event raised over £56,000 for blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia, which helps finance the internationally renowned Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and a network of specialist research nurses across the Midlands to give patients access to potentially life-saving treatments through clinical trials.
Sharon Baker, Associate at Deutsche Bank, said: “The Dragonboat Race is one of the city’s most successful annual corporate fundraising events and we’re thrilled to support the race for the 8th year running. Not only is it a lot of fun for those participating, but it’s also about raising vital funds for a fantastic charity that Deutsche Bank supports across the UK as one of its two Charities of the Year. With just 18 boats available to race, I’d encourage teams thinking about entering to act quickly as spaces are filling up fast.”
Jackie Kelly, head of Corporate Partnerships at Cure Leukaemia, added: “The Dragonboat Race is one of the most fun, unique and impactful fundraising events held in Birmingham and we’re so pleased to be the event’s charity partner for a 5th consecutive year. Every penny raised throughout the day will go towards directly helping blood cancer patients in the region that have exhausted standard treatments, not only giving them hope but also hastening global progress towards eradicating all blood cancers within 25 years. We’re looking forward to seeing who paddles to victory this year, you never know, the Cure Leukaemia boat might win this year – it’s certainly a date to put in the diary!”
Each crew that enters, comprising of 10 ‘paddlers’ and one ‘drummer’, is asked to raise at least £200 per team member, with a charitable entry fee of £500. Additional funds will also be raised on the day through activities, raffles and competitions at Brindleyplace, with all funds going directly to Cure Leukaemia. Places in the race are limited so teams should register their interest as soon as possible to ensure they do not miss out.
