Staff and supporters from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust will be competing in this year’s dragon boat festival to raise funds for its Better Lives charity. The teams will be joining the crowds at Roberts Park in Saltaire to race the dragon for the fourth year, on Sunday 21 July.

The Care Trust is racing three boats with the help of Bradford businesses, with two sponsored by Coral Windows and Conservatories, and one from PEC Contractors. They will be competing against 45 other teams on the multi-charity championship day, to support additional activities for the Trust’s patients and carers that go beyond its core services.

Brendan Cowey, general manager at Coral Windows and Conservatories, said: “We’re excited to be joining this year’s race and to be raising funds for the Better Lives charity.  Coral is a proud Yorkshire company and we’re very happy to be supporting our community through a local NHS charity.  Knowing that we’re supporting such a worthwhile cause will be a great motivator as we paddle to the finishing line, and hopefully to victory.”

Each dragon boat team has16 paddlers and a drummer that co-ordinates their rhythm and timing. They will be racing 200 meters, starting just beyond Saltaire’s cricket pavilion and finishing in Roberts Park. Teams have a minimum of three timed races, with their single fastest one going forward to qualify for the grand final.

Catherine Jowitt, head of the Care Trust’s charity and volunteering, said: “The festival is always great fun, with lots to see and do.  We couldn’t do this without the help of our sponsors and we’re really thankful for their involvement and support.  We’ll be cheering them on and wishing them the best of luck on the day.”

Alongside the boat racing, the festival offers a range of food and market stalls, with music and entertainment.

The Trust’s charity is also welcoming their corporate sponsor P.E.C. back to their team for the third year.   Sohan Panesar, managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the Better Lives charity again.  Our team is in training and raring to go, and we’re determined to beat last year’s eighth place result.”

For more information about the Better Lives charity’s work or to get involved in its fundraising events, visit www.bdct.nhs.uk.