PINK CHAMPAGNE
BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS’ DRAGON BOAT TEAM
Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors’Dragon Boat Team was established in 2008 by a group of breast cancer patients, in collaboration with the breast cancer team at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and a team of exercise therapists. Based in Dorset we are now one of 195 teams worldwide, hoping to inspire and encourage other breast cancer survivors.
But where did it originally start? In 1996 a Canadian sports medical specialist, Dr Don McKenzie embarked on a research project to explore the benefits of regular, repetitive, strenuous exercise following breast cancer surgery. His research centred on enhancing lymph flow to increase the effectiveness of the immune system and insisted the project should be in a pleasing and socially supportive environment. McKenzie started a Dragon Boat team which the participants named “Abreast in a Boat”! It was ground -breaking research and the results were hugely successful. The participants all showed better mental and physical health and loved the camaraderie and support of fellow paddlers. They realised it was a means to raise awareness of breast cancer and the ability of survivors to lead normal lives so invited other survivors to share the experience and they went on to compete in races. The movement now has teams in USA, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Italy, Poland as well as several in the UK. We are proud to be part of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) competing with the best at international events.
We meet on Saturday mornings and during the summer on Monday evenings.
Fund raising is vital to help us maintain our boat, pay for our storage costs, keep us kitted out safely with the all important life vests etc. Any activity on the water has to be accompanied by stringent Health and Safety rules which we strictly adhere to, but at a considerable cost to our Charity. The generosity of the British public is overwhelming and without their support we would definitely be unable to support so many members.
Our Charity aims to stress the importance of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, to demonstrate the advantages of positive outlook and exercise and to celebrate Life.
If you would like any further information please use the Contact Page on our Website
Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team’s mission is to:
- Encourage individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to lead full and active lives.
- Demonstrate the benefits of an active lifestyle through the sport of dragon boat racing.
- Raise Awareness of breast cancer.
- Provide Support and fellowship to team members.
- Celebrate our lives.
- Have Fun!
