AN ‘EXHILARATING’ day of boat racing at Draycote Water has raised thousands for a children’s charity.
A ‘dragon boat’ race – in which teams row together in long kayak-style boats – was hosted at Draycote Water Sailing Club by Graham Plumbers’ Merchant.
Six teams competed in the 250-metre races, including staff from Graham and parent company Saint-Gobain, as well as suppliers and agencies.
The overall winners were ‘Perfect Storm’ – comprising colleagues from the Saint-Gobain public sector sales team.
The event is expected to raise around £10,000 for Barnardo’s, supporting its work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
Barnardo’s corporate relationships manager Helen Miles said: “The six teams competed in three heats, with the four fastest teams going through to an exhilarating and incredibly close final.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who took part and raised such a fantastic sum for our charity.”
Graham marketing manager Samantha Canfield said: “This was a first for Graham, as the company has never held a dragon boat race before.
“We were delighted to host an event that not only raised money for a deserving charity but was also an excellent chance for Graham and Saint-Gobain colleagues, along with suppliers and agencies, to get to know one another in an environment that was just a little bit different from the average working day.
“It was a true success with plenty of healthy competition!”
Last year Barnardo’s supported more than 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers across the UK. Visit www.barnardos.org.uk for more information.
