Bluebell Wood’s Dragon Boat Race 2025 raises more than £35,000 for local families

The much-loved Dragon Boat Race in aid of Bluebell Wood has once again been proven a huge success, raising more than £35,000 plus Gift Aid to support local children and families facing the toughest of times.

We were proud to sponsor the event this year, with teams and onlookers gathering at Manvers Lake on one of the sunniest Saturdays of the year so far. In total, 19 spirited teams paddled it out across the water in a thrilling day of competition and community – including our very own E.ON Rowers and Bluebell Wood’s Care Team.

Vijay Tank, Chief Commercial Officer, E.ON Infrastructure Solutions, said: “It was an honour to come along and take part in this year’s Dragon Boat Race, along with colleagues from across our business and the wider community.

“Thank you and well done to everyone who supported this year’s event, including our very own E.ON Rowers, for participating, putting in the effort, and showing just how much we all appreciate and support what the team at Bluebell Wood does to help local families every single day.”

Jess Dhariwal, Plant Manager at Blackburn Meadows biomass energy plant, added: “Once again, the Dragon Boat Race in support of Bluebell Wood has been a tremendous success, not only bringing people together for a fun-packed day but also raising vital funds for a charity that is at the very heart of the local community.

“Bluebell Wood is a charity that is doing incredible work for families across the region, and we couldn’t be prouder to support this event as part of our ongoing support for the communities around our Blackburn Meadows site.”

Heidi Hawkins, CEO of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “The annual Dragon Boat race is a truly special event in our calendar and this year, we’ve been completely blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved, raising this record-breaking amount.

“The monies raised will play a huge part in supporting our work, being there for families at the toughest of times, when they need us most. Thank you to everyone who has made this happen.”

Funds raised from the event – which is now in its eighth year - will go directly towards supporting the £6.7 million a year Bluebell Wood needs to continue its vital work, offering end-of-life care, post-death support, respite care and sibling support to children, babies, young people and their families across the region.

To find out more about Bluebell Wood and how you can support their work, visit bluebellwood.org.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, established in 2018, strives to create a comforting and homely environment for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions. The hospice provides essential support to families facing incredibly challenging times, serving communities across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire, and parts of North Lincolnshire.

Blackburn Meadows

Located in Sheffield, our Blackburn Meadows biomass-fuelled combined heat and power plant has been in operation since 2015. It generates 30MW of electrical energy and up to 25MW of thermal energy using recycled waste wood sourced from within the UK, providing power to up to 69,000 homes and businesses in the South Yorkshire region. We support Bluebell Wood as part of our commitment to the areas around this site.