Over 40 teams from businesses across the West Midlands took to the canalside at the Mailbox last month, in Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity’s Dragon Boat Race, which raised over £200,419 for its patients.

The two-day event was sponsored by long-term supporter and accountancy firm, Azets UK, as well as energy broker, Experienced Energy Solutions, which was also the winner of last year’s inaugural Dragon Boat Race, which raised over £128,000 to support Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals – and the women, babies, children and families in their care.

The teams battled it out through three heats of 200m races with each day culminating in major and minor finals to determine the day’s top four teams. The proud winner on Friday was a team from Pertemps Birmingham, while taking Saturday’s Dragon Trophy was Experienced Energy Solutions once again, which fought another of the company’s own teams for first place.

As well as the action of the races, spectators were entertained by Birmingham TikTok superstar, Luke Vernon, who kindly hosted the event. The chatty social media sensation, boasts over 1.9m followers and recently had a starring role within the Commonwealth Games.

Mark Brider, CEO at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re overwhelmed by the absolutely phenomenal £200,419 our brilliant corporate partners and supporters raised for us at our Dragon Boat Race. Not only that, but for the astonishing passion and enthusiasm they showed throughout, which helped to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever.

“Every penny of this year’s outstanding total will make a big difference to our women, babies, children and families as we aim to make our hospitals the best they can be – providing world-class care and the very best treatments to the thousands of patients we treat every year across Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond.”

Andy Jackson, Estate Director at Mailbox said: “The atmosphere here at Mailbox for the Dragon Boat Race this year was phenomenal. The passion, teamwork and camaraderie was an absolute pleasure to see and be a part of, and it’s great to know that the hard work has translated into some serious fundraising. This is an absolutely amazing amount to raise and I know, from working closely with the organisers, that every penny of the money raised will go to help people who need it across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Thank you to everyone who came and took part and… here’s to next year!”

Watch our video to get your fill of the event's action:

If your business would like to take part in Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity’s 2023 Dragon Boat Race, please get in touch at [email protected].