Dragon boat mayhem hits Alton Water
SCORES of people took to the water for a mad dash challenge as teams went head-to-head in dragon boat races to raise cash for St Elizabeth Hospice.
Neil Puffett
SCORES of people took to the water for a mad dash challenge as teams went head-to-head in dragon boat races to raise cash for St Elizabeth Hospice.
The event, held at Alton Water, raised more than £16,000 for hospice funds with each of the 16 teams raising around £1,000 each.
Patsy Johnson, events co-ordinator for St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “It has been a great day.
“We have had comments saying the teams were working together and it has been great for team-building.
“They all want to support the hospice and lots of people turned out.
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“The rain in the morning didn't seem to dampen spirits at all.”
Ms Johnson said money raised from the day will be vital to the hospice which relies on contributions and costs £11,000 a day to run.
Among the teams taking part in the event, which involved between eight and ten people racing in a 30ft Chinese dragon boat, were Woodbridge School, Prettys solicitors, an army team, Barnes Construction and Orwell Trucks.
Jamie Smith, 18, a student at Woodbridge School, said: “We entered last year and it was an awesome day.
“We were close to winning it and it's good fun.”
Elizabeth Green, the school's charity co-ordinator, said: “One of our members of staff sadly died at St Elizabeth Hospice last year so that is our motivation.
“We take fund raising very seriously and all the students are involved.”
Have you helped raise money for a good cause? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
