Barnsley Hospital Charity Dragon Boat Race Makes a Splash at Manvers Lake

We had the pleasure of hosting the fabulous Barnsley Hospital Charity on Sunday for their very first Dragon Boat Race & Family Fun Day.

A Day of Fun and Fundraising

Hundreds of people turned out to paddle, cheer, and support, raising thousands of pounds for the charity’s Breast Care Appeal. Many teams were made up of hospital staff, including the spirited Critical Care Bears and the lively Boat Busters.

Jane and Sam from Barnsley Hospital Charity kicked off the morning by energising all the teams with a fun warm-up session.

Activities for Everyone

The day offered something for everyone. Alongside the exciting races were craft stalls, a small animal petting zoo, bouncy inflatables, an ice cream van, and even a licensed bar for the grown-ups.

The atmosphere was filled with fun and colour, as teams showed off creative outfits. Team SuperMario created a sea of red and green hats, while the Critical Care Bears donned matching furry ears.

Thrilling Races and Celebrations

The teams all competed in three thrilling heats. After these, the top six teams advanced to the semi-finals. The competition culminated in a nail-biting final. Congratulations to the overall winners Anchor Management, and runners-up CrossFit Barnsley and Super Mario.

Barnsley Hospital Charity shared their gratitude, saying:

“What an absolutely incredible day we have had at our Dragon Boat Event. Teamwork, laughter, kindness, and camaraderie summed up our Saturday.

We’ve already started planning for 2026! Thanks once again to everyone involved, special shout out to Melv who captured the fantastic photos for us.

Thank you to all of our amazing supporters for their awesome team efforts, fabulous fundraising and unrivalled camaraderie. Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff who made the event possible — we appreciate you. Congratulations to all of the teams, and a big shout out to our winners Anchor Management and runners-up CrossFit Barnsley and Mario and Luigi.

Huge thanks to Les and the team from Andy’s Man Club for joining us at our event this weekend and raising awareness of their vital work for mental health. #mentalhealthmatters

Thank you to all of the stalls and supporters who came along and made the day a family fun day.”

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Barnsley Hospital Charity will return to Manvers Lake on 19 October 2025 for their Memory Walk, followed by a Cold Water Plunge on 16 November 2025.

Supporting Our Community

As a registered charity, Manvers Lake & Dearne Valley Trust is proud to support the local community by hosting events like this one. Over the coming months, the Trust will also be hosting fundraising events for Rotherham Hospital Charity, Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Charity, and Rotherham Hospice.

To find out more and see the full schedule of events, please visit: www.mwbc.org.uk/events.

In conclusion, the Dragon Boat Race & Family Fun Day was not just about competition; it was a celebration of community spirit. The event brought together families, friends, and supporters, all united for a noble cause. We look forward to many more events that foster this sense of togetherness and support for our local charities.