2024 Dragon Boat Race organisers reveal the total raised for local charity

THE organisers of The 2024 Dragon Boat Race in aid of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity have revealed the amount raised by this year's event has now topped £40,000.

The race, which took place at the Liverpool Watersports Centre, within the Queens Dock, saw 18 teams defy heavy rain and choppy waters to come together for a day, of fun and fundraising for the charity. And with the fixture now a firm favourite on the Merseyside calendar, coordinators have confirmed registration for next year's race is now open.

"The Dragon Boat Race is such a brilliant day, combining adrenaline, teamwork and lots of fun as well as amazing community spirit, We're thrilled with the huge sum that's been raised this year. It's a testament to the amazing support from all the teams and their supporters who took part and chose to raise money for us. Now we can't wait for 2025! I'd encourage anyone thinking of joining us next year to pick up a pen; as well as a paddle; and register their interest." said Katrina Bury, Chief Executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

The event, which this year was won by branded merchandise and print experts Wild Thang, saw 18 teams battle it out in multiple races throughout the day, on canoe like vessels decorated by a dragon's head and tail.

Each team, some of whom donned fancy dress, saw 16 members as rowers and 1 acting as drummer to keep the team in unison.

Wild Thang scooped the overall trophy with second place going to law firm Weightmans and third to Wirral Rhythm Dragons, some members of which have had personal experience of cancer.

Others taking part included:- teams from Tesco and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Sarah Quayle from Wirral Rhythm Dragons is a more than once cancer survivor and has been treated at Clatterbridge, Wirral since 2005. Sarah said:- "My love for dragon boating came on the tails of my 1st breast cancer diagnosis in 2012. Living in Canada at the time where dragon boating is a popular breast cancer survivor sport, I joined our local team and got the bug, On the day, we were soaked to our undies before we started, but we didn't care. What a truly wonderful and uplifting event."

Another Rhythm Dragons team member, Barry Loftus, was diagnosed 7 years ago with prostate cancer.  Barry explains:- "My treatment was a mixture of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which has worked a treat, I get 6 monthly checks and can't thank Clatterbridge enough. I am so grateful."

Latest research has revealed:- 1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer.

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is dedicated to helping deliver pioneering care to patients across the Region and helps fund a range of vital research projects, therapies and innovations in cancer treatment.

Dragon Boating is a sport for all ages with no experience required. Participants receive full training, support and equipment on the day.

To register your interest for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Dragon Boat Race 2025 contact:- Events.ClatterbridgeCharity@NHS.Net or call on:- 01515565566.

Big changes on Wirral waterfront as major Woodside Ferry Terminal revamp begins

THE £9m plus revamp of Woodside ferry terminal is underway as part of a major regeneration project to turn the area into a:- 'vibrant and unique waterfront destination.'

As part of this complex engineering work, the existing 39 year old landing stage and linkspan bridge will be removed, recycled and replaced with a new linkspan bridge and landing stage, with modern passenger waiting facilities.

Ultimately, the project will help secure the long term viability of the important cultural asset and is part of a major Wirral Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority scheme to regenerate the wider area.

The terminal upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which this year consulted on a £23m Masterplan to breathe new life into the area. The proposals include:- 1,700 homes, 2 new hotels, major leisure facilities and an outside event space fronting onto the River Mersey amongst other things.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:- "This is an exciting time for the Woodside area and we're delighted to be playing our part in the regeneration that will be taking place over the next few years. The existing structures at Woodside have served us well over the last 39 years, but it's important for us to look to the future and fit in with the wider improvements taking place. Alongside the plans for a new ferry, these works highlight our commitment to the Mersey Ferries and their importance as a much-beloved cultural asset for our City Region."

Cllr Paul Stuart, Leader of Wirral Council, said:- "The Woodside area is on the cusp of major change with the significant funding Wirral Council has obtained to maximise the incredible potential of this unique location. The revamped ferry terminal will play an important role in helping us make Woodside the amazing waterfront destination it should be, alongside the work we are doing to improve its connections through Hamilton Square to Birkenhead Town centre and make it a location where people want live, work and visit."

The revamp, due for completion in summer 2025, follows a multi million pound refurbishment of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, which reopened in 2022.

The upgraded terminals will be ready to welcome the new £26m Mersey Ferry announced by Mayor Rotheram last year and due to be launched by the summer of 2026.

What are your thoughts on this? Please do let us know.... Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.