NHS Trust gets ready to race the dragon

Staff and supporters from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust will be competing in this year’s dragon boat festival to raise funds for its Better Lives charity. The teams will be joining the crowds at Roberts Park in Saltaire to race the dragon for the sixth year, on Sunday 5 July.

The Care Trust is racing three boats with the support of Bradford-based Coral Windows and Conservatories. The teams will be competing against 45 other teams on the multi-charity championship day, to support additional activities for the Trust’s patients, carers and colleagues that sit outside of core service provision.

John Valente, Managing Director of Coral Windows and Conservatories said: “Coral is proud to support the Better Lives Charity and the incredible work being delivered across local NHS community services. Events like the Dragon Boat Race are a fantastic way to bring people together, raise awareness and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve.

“Over the past two years, our teams have been delighted to raise more than £5,000 and we’re excited to continue that momentum this year as we aim to exceed £7,000. Supporting Better Lives Charity reflects our shared commitment to improving lives locally, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work in partnership to achieve that.”

Each dragon boat team has 16 paddlers and a drummer that co-ordinates their rhythm and timing. They will be racing 200 metres, starting just beyond Saltaire’s cricket pavilion and finishing in Roberts Park. Teams have a minimum of three timed races, with their single fastest one going forward to qualify for the grand final.

Laura Whitham, Fundraising Manager for Better Lives Charity said: “We look forward to the Dragon Boat Festival every year, it’s always great fun with lots to see and do on the day.

“We’re very thankful to our teams who are taking to the water for their ongoing support, and we’d love members of the public to come along, cheer them on, and help us support the racers. We’ll also be running a Better Lives Charity stall outside our New Mill offices, so do come and say hello on the day and find out more about how your support helps make a real difference to our Trust services.”

You can still sign up your team for the 2026 Bradford Dragon Boat Race Festival and support the Better Lives Charity with a direct charity donation by visiting, www.bradforddragonboatfestival.co.uk/race-for-charity.

To find out more about the Better Lives charity’s work or to get involved in future fundraising events, visit www.bdct.nhs.uk/opportunities/support-our-charity.