Dragon boat race makes a splash with epic fundraising effort for Bluebell Wood

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice launched a fleet of 'fire-breathing' boats for its annual dragon boat race, raising a record-breaking £35,569 to support children and families across the South Yorkshire region.

Now in its ninth year, the race at Manvers Lake in Rotherham saw 15 teams making waves to raise funds for the Sheffield-based charity.

Each boat is powered by up to 16 paddlers and led by a drummer keeping them rowing in time. Teams competed in timed heats before the three fastest boats rowed head-to-head in a spectacular finale. 

The 2026 event was sponsored by E.ON as part of its pledge to assist communities around its Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant and ongoing support of Bluebell Wood. The company entered its own team, the E.ON Rowers, into the race once again.

Jess Dhariwal, Plant Manager at E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant, said: “The dragon boat race is a true highlight of our year, bringing people together to celebrate community and the incredible work Bluebell Wood does for children and families. As a business focused on helping customers and communities become more resilient through cleaner, more sustainable energy, it’s a privilege to support a charity making such a positive difference locally. Thank you again to our E.ON Rowers for their participation and to everyone involved in this fantastic event.”

Heidi Hawkins, Chief Executive at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’re delighted that the annual dragon boat race has once again proved to be an exciting and hugely popular event in our calendar. 

“The generosity from participants in both their time and fundraising efforts is so warmly appreciated by Bluebell Wood, with the monies raised going towards helping families and children when they need it the most. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the race this year.”

Funds raised from the event will go directly towards supporting the £6.4m a year Bluebell Wood needs to continue its vital work offering end-of-life care, post-death support, respite care and sibling support to babies, children, young adults and their families across the region.

This year’s fundraising total was also boosted by a series of pre-event initiatives, including a cake sale, face painting, children’s activities and a special visit from the Army.

To find out more about how you can support Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, visit www.bluebellwood.org