Charities mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a Dragon Boat race event

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and on 7 September 2024, seven charities, each founded by parents who lost a child to cancer, came together for a significant event in the south of England. These charities, including Abbie’s Heroes, George’s Rockstars, George’s Trust, Hannah’s Holiday Home, Alfie’s Wish, Dylan’s Quest, and Sophie’s Legacy, participated in a dragon boat race to raise both funds and awareness. This event marked the second year that these organisations have united for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Last year’s successful event, the ‘Charities Walk Together’ at Royal Victoria Country Park in Hamble, laid the foundation for this year’s collaboration.

Held at Hythe Marina, the event featured teams of sixteen rowers and one drummer per dragon boat. Each charity entered a team, and a total of twenty-six teams competed. Throughout the day, heats were conducted to determine the fastest four boats, which then advanced to the final race. The race was held over a designated course, with the first team to cross the finish line declared the winner. Adding to the fun, a fancy-dress theme was introduced for the rowers, with a prize awarded to the best-dressed team.

Each participant paid a £20 entry fee, which covered the event's operational costs. In addition, each team raised funds for their respective charity. Sophie’s Legacy was represented by four teams from local companies, including Menzies, Aztec Company, and Lead Forensics, as well as a team of family and friends of Sophie’s Legacy. Despite the rainy conditions, the day was a great success, which was well-supported by the Rapid Relief Team, a charitable organisation that provided food and drink for all attendees, ensuring a well-catered and enjoyable day for everyone involved

While the Aztec Business team qualified for the final, they ultimately placed fourth overall, with first place going to (winning team). The fancy-dress competition was won by (winning team), while the prize for the funniest moment was awarded to the (insert team), who managed to capsize their boat—much to the amusement of both the team and the spectators. Fortunately, no one was injured, apart from a few bruised egos!

The event raised in excess of £4143.93 for Sophie’s cause. We, here at Sophie’s Legacy, would like to thank everyone involved for their time and commitment, and for contributing towards such a successful, fun day that not only raised much needed funds, but also raised awareness of what is such an important subject during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

This year, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is focused on the critical need for increased awareness and research funding to combat pediatric cancers, which remain the leading cause of death by disease among children in the UK. Given that approximately ten children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, with one in 450 children receiving a cancer diagnosis by the age of fifteen, it is crucial that all of us know the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. You can educate yourself on this by watching the video created by the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.