1. Border
  2. 3 updates

Windermere Dragon Boat Race helps cancer survivors

Windermere's Dragon Boat Regatta has been organised by a charity that aims to help cancer patients recover and many of the crews are made up of survivors and their families and friends.

Live updates

Watch: Windermere Dragon Boat Regatta

There have been spectacular sights on Windermere, as it hosted a Dragon Boat Regatta.

It was organised by a charity that helps cancer patients.

Many of the crews were made up of survivors, their families and friends. Fiona Marley Paterson was there.

Advertisement

Dragon Boat Race begins on Windermere

Eighteen teams are competing in a Charity Dragon Boat Regatta on Windermere.

They're raising money for Paddlers for Life, among other charities, which works with cancer patients, helping them to deal with their condition through dragon boat racing.

It's part of the North West Cancer Survivorship Conference where GPs and health professionals, cancer rehabilitation specialists, cancer survivors and supporters to get together in the Lake District.

Windermere hosts charity Dragon Boat Regatta. Credit: ITV Border

"Ten years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard about the benefits of dragon boat racing after treatment. I am happy to come out of it addicted to racing dragon boats. I love it not only for the paddling but for belonging to a team who have been through what I have been through. We don't need to talk about the cancer, we can if we want to. We talk and laugh about paddling, about our technique, about our lives. We become one, literally all in the same boat. The organisation prides itself on inviting all those affected by cancer to join them. That includes partners, families and friends plus those who have suffered other kinds of cancer."

– Cancer survivor Lynn Shamal from Ulverston
Teams line up. Credit: ITV Border

"This an important weekend in our calendar. The conference itself gives health professionals a chance to share ideas, whilst those taking part in the regatta are helping to raise funds. Both are significant steps towards improving the range of support services for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, we are also encouraging the dragon boat crews to raise sponsorship for a charity of their own choice which have a special meaning to them."

– Ben Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts
Back to top

Latest ITV News reports