News

Norwich Dragon Boat racing thrills

Brandon Steward, who is recovering from a life saving bone marrow transplant, with his stepmother Denise

Nearly 20,000 was raised for the Antony Nolan Trust when 14 teams took part in the ancient art of Dragon Boat racing at Whitlingham Broad, near Norwich.

The charity, which saves the lives of people with leukaemia, also recruited 38 new donors to its life-saving register.

Among those taking part in the race was a team from Costessey Carers and Costessey Medical Practice, where Denise Steward works.

Her step-son, Brandon Steward, 13, had a life-saving bone marrow transplant earlier this year, after the charity found him a bone marrow match.

The Taverham teenager said: “I'm doing fine and compared to last year I'm amazing.

“The trust is an amazing group and it saved my life and lots of other people's as well, and it could save more in the future.”

Each of the 14 teams taking part in the race had to have a minimum of 11 people on board and it cost £250 to enter a team.

The Costessey team raised the most individually, with £2650 out of the total £19,900 raised.

Mrs Steward said: “Without the trust Brandon would not be with us today.

“We are grateful for everybody taking part today and supporting us.”

Jan Hardinge, a member of the Costessey Carers' group and manager of the Costessey practice, said they planned to do the race again next year.

“We had a great day even though we all got soaking wet,” she said.

Yesterday's event was also an opportunity for the charity to get more donors on board.

Trust recruitment manager Charlotte Connolly said: “We recruited 38 donors onto the life-saving register which was really great. Any one of them could be the match to save someone's life.”

Sharon King, regional fundraising manager for trust, said: “Every year thousands of people with bone marrow diseases like leukaemia reach a stage when only a transplant can save their lives.

“At any one time there are over 16,000 patients worldwide, many of them children and young adults, who are rely-ing on Anthony Nolan to give them hope by finding them a suitable bone marrow donor from our register potential life-saving donors.”

In the UK Dragon Boat racing has become a popular, addictive and exhilarating team event where the drummer beats out a rhythm for the team to race the 30 ft Hong Kong style Dragon Boats.

To become a donor you must be aged 18 to 40, in general good health and must weigh over 8st/ 51kg. For more information about the work of Anthony Nolan visit www.anthonynolan.org.uk.

Have you arranged a charity event in Norwich? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.