On Sunday 13th July the team from Clifton Park Hospital will be swapping scrubs for paddles as they take part in the York Rotary Dragon Boat Race 2025, all in support of a cause close to our hearts, St Leonard’s Hospice.
Held along the picturesque River Ouse in the heart of York, this high-energy event brings together teams from across the city for a day of teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition.
Why We’re Taking Part
At Clifton Park, we’re proud to support St Leonard’s Hospice, an incredible local charity that provides outstanding care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. Many of our staff and patients have seen first-hand the compassionate work of the hospice, and we’re committed to doing our bit to help fund their vital services.
Our team of 16 paddlers includes a mix of hospital staff from different departments, from our theatres and nursing teams to administration and radiology. With varying levels of rowing experience (some none!), we’ll be taking to the water as the ‘Clifton Park Dragons’.
The Goal
We’ve set up a fundraising page, and we’d be hugely grateful for any donations — big or small. Two-thirds of all donations go directly to St Leonard’s Hospice, helping to fund essential care, support, and facilities for those who need it most. The remaining third goes to York Rotary’s charity fund, which has raised an incredible £1.6 million over the years for a wide range of local charities.
Clifton Park Hospital - Fundraising Page
About the York Dragon Boat Race
Now in its 22nd year, the York Dragon Boat Race is one of the city’s biggest charity events. Organised by York Rotary, the race features 36 teams competing in timed heats along the River Ouse, with all proceeds going to fantastic local charities. The event draws in hundreds of spectators each year with live commentary, street food, fancy dress, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
Come cheer us on and join in the fun, we’d love to see some friendly faces on the riverbanks!
A Word from the Team Captain
"We’re incredibly proud to represent Clifton Park Hospital at the York Dragon Boat Race in support of St Leonard’s Hospice. This event really reflects our ethos of ‘People Caring for People’ - coming together to support our local community and raise money for a cause that means a lot to so many of us. It’s been great to take part in something outside of work that brings everyone together for such an important reason."
— Jessica Hedley, Business Relations Manager & Team Captain
How You Can Help
· Donate to our fundraising page
· Share our story with friends, family, and colleagues
· Come cheer us on in York on the day!
Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey so far, and a huge shoutout to our team members for taking the plunge (quite literally!) in aid of such a worthy cause.