Bradford Dragon Boat Festival Returns to Raise Funds

Local teams prepare for annual charity event on 5 July

The Bradford Dragon Boat Festival is set to take place on Sunday 5 July, with five teams competing to raise funds for Bradford Hospitals Charity. The event brings together local healthcare staff and community members in a competitive but friendly environment, aiming to support projects that benefit patients and staff across Bradford Teaching Hospitals.

Teams competing in the festival

Five teams will take part in this year’s dragon boat races, each led by members of the Bradford healthcare community:

• Hard To BEaT – led by Jill Horsfall, Education Lead for Pre-registration Learning, Development & Funding
• Neonatal Ninjas – led by Julie Pearce, Neonatal Ward Manager
• Prescription Paddlers – led by Azeem Yaseen, Pharmacy Technician
• ACS Dragon Boat Team – led by Chris Gray
• Team led by Laura Kettlewell

Purpose of the fundraising

Funds raised through the festival will support Bradford Hospitals Charity’s work in enhancing healthcare services beyond standard NHS provisions. This includes investment in advanced medical technology, improvements to hospital environments, and additional support to improve the experience of patients, their families, and NHS staff.

Community involvement and event atmosphere

The festival is a notable event in the local fundraising calendar, encouraging community engagement and support for healthcare services across the district. Spectators are expected to gather along the riverbanks to watch the races and cheer on the competing teams.

Supporters are invited to contribute by donating to the teams participating in the event, helping to ensure continued funding for projects that benefit the local healthcare system.

The event promises a day of sport, community spirit, and fundraising as Bradford comes together to support its hospitals.