The 24th consecutive York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge took place on Sunday, 12 July, with Team Dragonflies taking to the water to raise funds for York Carers Centre and OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity.
Racing from Scarborough Bridge to York Rowing Club on this hot and sunny day, the team stood out in their vibrant coveralls as they competed to support the causes.
Team Dragonflies was founded in memory of Nick Ryan by his wife, Louise Ryan, and sister-in-law, Michelle Smith, following his passing from a brain tumour. During Nick’s final weeks, he received exceptional care at St. Leonard’s Hospice, where his family were able to stay by his side.
It was there that they discovered ‘cuddle beds’ – specially adapted beds that allow patients to lie comfortably alongside their partners or loved ones during precious final moments together. Inspired by Nick’s memory, the Cuddle Bed Project has raised an incredible £75,000. Thanks to this fundraising, St. Leonard’s Hospice is now the only hospice in the North of England with a cuddle bed in every patient room, ensuring more families can spend valuable time together when it matters most.
Building on the success of the project, Team Dragonflies continues to raise funds for local charities that make a real difference to people’s lives.
Team Dragonflies are delighted to support York Carers as one of our chosen charities through this year’s Rotary Dragon Boat Race.
Younger carers can often go unnoticed, quietly taking on responsibilities that many people may not see. It is vital that they have a voice, recognition, and the support they deserve, which makes the work of York Carers Centre incredibly important across our city.
York Carers Centre is honoured to have been chosen as one of Team Dragonflies’ beneficiary charities. Their continued commitment to supporting local organisations that have made a personal difference to the lives of their team members is truly inspiring.
You can support this fantastic team and their fundraising efforts via the Rotary Club of York Charity Fund website: https://yorkrotary.enthuse.com/pf/team-dragonflies
