Final Call for Dragon Boat Race Teams as Forget Me Not Adds New ‘Firestarters’ Crew

Posted By: KLTVon: August 19, 2025In: News

Reading Time: 3 minutes

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Charity’s popular annual fundraiser returns to Pugneys Country Park this September

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has issued a final call for teams to sign up for its much-loved annual Dragon Boat Race, taking place at Pugneys Country Park, Wakefield, on Saturday 20th September 2025.

This year, the charity is introducing an exciting new opportunity for small businesses and individuals with the launch of the ‘Firestarters’ crew, a team made up of participants from different organisations, all pulling together to compete for glory.

Racing, Rivalry and Team Spirit

Each Dragon Boat is powered by 16 paddlers and a drummer to keep the rhythm. While most crews represent a single business or group, the Firestarters will pool talent from across the region, creating a dynamic and potentially medal-winning team.

As well as the thrill of the race, the new format offers a valuable networking opportunity, giving participants the chance to meet others from local businesses and organisations.

The day-long spectacle attracts hundreds of spectators, with teams racing across the lake in a series of 250m heats. Every team competes in at least three races, with the fastest progressing to the semi-finals and finals.

Fundraising for Families

Each crew is asked to raise a minimum of £1,000 through sponsorship and on-the-day fundraising activities. Last year’s event saw 23 boats take part, raising more than £26,500 for the hospice.

Spectators can enjoy the event for free, with food vans, stalls, activities and games adding to the festival atmosphere.

Thanks to sponsorship from Huddersfield-based Polyseam, every penny raised will go directly towards supporting local children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Olando Salina, Head of Marketing at Polyseam, said: “We’re proud to be entering two teams into this year’s Dragon Boat Race — our third consecutive year supporting Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in this amazing event.

“It’s more than a race — it’s a day of teamwork, fun, and raising vital funds for a cause that’s close to our hearts. We’ll be there in full force on September 20th. See you at the starting line!”

A Highlight of the Year

Georgia Lane, Forget Me Not’s Fundraising Manager, said: “Our Dragon Boat Race is a real highlight of the year for our team and for the many businesses and supporters who come together to make it a special day.

“With trophies for the winners, best fancy dress, fastest race and most money raised from fundraising activities on the day, there is lots of good-natured competition.

“And with our new Firestarters crew, we’ve opened up the competition to those businesses and groups who wouldn’t be able to fill a 17-seater boat on their own but are as eager as anyone to unleash their inner dragon!

“For all the businesses involved, it’s a fabulous opportunity to spend some time together away from the office, building connections and having some conversations you would never get time to have in the workplace.

“If you’ve not booked on yet, we still have a few spaces for more boats, so get yourselves signed up ahead of the big day!”