On July 13th, me and Martin will be swapping spreadsheets for paddles as we join 10 other teammates in the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on the River Ouse – all to raise money for the brilliant local charity, York Cares ❤️

Every small donation helps support amazing community projects, so please chip in if you can!

About the Challenge

The York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge has been held annually since 2003. Over the past 22+ years the cumulative amount raised for a whole host of local charities is c. £1.6million.

On July 13th 2025, 36 teams will be battling it out on the River Ouse between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge for the Challenge Trophy and other prestigious awards including awards for the fastest Charity Team, fastest Civilian Team and of course the Best Dressed Team Trophy.

York Cares

York Cares celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. York Cares plays a huge role in that community, bringing together over 30 employers; enabling them to make a strategic investment in the community by providing their employees with volunteering opportunities to support others to fulfill their potential; reduce loneliness and social isolation and improve environmental sustainability, which in turn allows them to feel a sense of pride by giving something back to the communities in which they work.