Hundreds take part in annual dragon boat race

16 hours ago

News image — The annual event took place in Leeds on Sunday

BBC/Jonathan Reed A long dragon boat moving across a calm body of water on a bright, clear day. The boat is painted primarily in red and carries a group of paddlers seated in pairs along its length, all wearing red life jackets and holding paddles that are resting or raised slightly above the water. At the front of the boat, a decorative dragon head is attached, and a small white number sign marked “5” is visible near the bow. — The annual event took place in Leeds on Sunday

Hundreds of rowers have taken part in an annual dragon boat race in aid of a children's hospice.

The event, at Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park on Sunday, has raised more than £840,000 over the years for Martin House Children's Hospice in Boston Spa.

Among the 48 teams competing were several families who have benefited from the hospice's support, including Caroline Lambert, whose daughter Evelyn died at the age of just seven months.

She said it was a "really celebratory day", and added: "It's a lot of fun, you don't need to train for it, all the family comes and it means it's a really inclusive way for everyone to be involved in doing some fundraising."

Caroline and her husband Michael led Team Evelyn, named after their daughter who died following a brain injury around the time of her birth.

Martin House supported the family with respite stays and symptom management, alongside 24/7 access to its doctors.

A woman standing outdoors on a grassy field. She is facing slightly to one side rather than directly at the camera. Sunglasses are resting on top of her head, and a blue lanyard with visible printed text and logos hangs around her neck over a pink short-sleeved T‑shirt. — Caroline Lambert has been raising funds for the charity since the death of her daughter, Evelyn

The family has described the services as "absolutely incredible".

"My husband always jokes that it's a bit of a cross between Center Parcs and a private hospital because it doesn't feel medical, it doesn't feel like you're somewhere sad. It feels full of fun, full of life," said Caroline.

"It is about giving families that extra time, some respite, and to be around people that are in similar situations and actually understand what you've been going through, so it's absolutely invaluable."

Over the years, the family has raised more than £120,000 for the charity, and their dragon boat team has raised £2,360.

BBC/Jonathan Reed A group of people standing together by a body of water, posing behind a large blue banner that reads “Martin House Dragon Boat Race”. The group is wearing red life jackets and headscarves, and several people are holding paddles. — A total of 48 teams took part and helped raise money for Martin House

Now in its 18th year, the race was cancelled in 2025 due to blue-green algae on the lake.

Maddie Massey, of Martin House, said the event was "incredibly important" and the money went towards specialist care and support for children and their families across West, North and East Yorkshire.

"We're incredibly grateful to everyone – rowers, drummers and spectators – for their support," she said.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, and catch up with the latest episode of Look North.