The Haslams Team of Dragon Boat racers powered their way to an impressive 5th place at last weekend’s Reading Dragon Boat Festival at Thames Valley Park Riverside.
Competing amongst 28 other teams, they won their first 3 races only to lose out in their aim to get to the finals. But all is not lost, along the way, thanks to the generosity of their supporters, they managed to raise over £890 so far for Launchpad Reading who they have supported for a number of years.
Team organisers and crew members, Suzanne Thorpe and Hannah Jackson were instrumental in putting the team together and organising the fund-raising efforts through Just Giving. Pictured alongside are the rowing team of ‘Boaty MacHaslams Face’, led by skipper Chris Cullity, coached by Jamie Boyt and crewed by Charlie Rapson, Jack Walden-Bye, Kelly Elliot and her son Sam, Iwona Zych, Michael Danelian, Tina Moss, Jack O’Neill, Tom Woodford, Suzanne Thorpe, Hannah Jackson, Calvin Madine, Steve Woodford and Aeron Weston.
“Hey. Just a quick note to say a massive ‘thank you’ to you, Steve and the rest of the Haslams Dragon Boat Team. Absolute stars!” Jason McMahon, Fundraising and Relationship Manager – Launchpad Reading.
Steve Woodford, Managing Director of Haslams went on to say “Supporting local events and the community has always been at the heart of everything we do, and we are delighted to have raised much needed funds for our friends at Launchpad Reading. We have already entered next year’s event and will begin training in earnest”
Launchpad Reading is a local charity that helps some of Reading’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged people to turn their lives around and fulfil their potential. For further information visit http://www.launchpadreading.org.uk.