Sue Ryder’s Dragon Boat Race returned to the Bedford River Festival on Saturday 18 July, bringing together 20 crews from across the region for a day of racing, teamwork and fundraising on the River Ouse.
The much-loved annual fundraiser saw teams go head-to-head along a 200-metre course, all in support of Sue Ryder’s palliative and bereavement support services. Spectators lined the riverbanks throughout the day to cheer on the crews as they battled for the title of Dragon Boat Champions 2026.
Hosted in partnership with Bedford Borough Council and New Wave Events, and supported by event sponsor Champneys Wellness Spa, the event was once again a highlight of the Bedford River Festival, attracting competitors and supporters alike.
Thanks to the generosity of participants, donors and spectators, the event raised an incredible £33,569 to help ensure that no one has to face death or grief alone. After a thrilling day of racing, Flying Rusticas from G J Property Services were crowned Dragon Boat Champions 2026.
Nick Burr, Regional Senior Fundraiser at Sue Ryder, said: “It was fantastic to see so many teams come together for this year’s Dragon Boat Race. The energy and enthusiasm were incredible, and we’re so grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored or supported the event. Every pound raised will help Sue Ryder continue to provide expert care and support to people facing death and grief at the most difficult times in their lives.”
The Dragon Boat Race has become a firm favourite in Sue Ryder’s fundraising calendar, bringing businesses, community groups, friends and families together to support the charity’s vital work while enjoying a day of friendly competition.
Jason Whaley from Movianto Wave Warriors said: “Taking part in the Dragon Boat Race was a fantastic experience. It was great fun, brought our team from Movianto UK together and gave us the opportunity to support an important cause. The atmosphere throughout the day was amazing and we are so proud to be the top fundraising team, raising £2,523.00”.
Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, would like to thank all the teams, volunteers, spectators, partners and sponsors who helped make the event such a success.
For more information about supporting Sue Ryder, visit www.sueryder.org.
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About Sue Ryder:
At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years, we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. We are a safe and reassuring hand you can reach for. From providing care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
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