Staff from Buckinghamshire care company, Bespoke Support MK, are taking part in this year’s Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival to help find a cure for brain tumours.
A 14-strong team is preparing to race more than 40 other teams in a 200-metre course at Willen Lake on Saturday 22nd July. Director and company founder, Amanda Graham, whose father is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, entered a team last year that made it all the way to the final, despite the boat capsizing.
Amanda said: “I think we were the only boat on the day to capsize but we still came fourth out of 44. It’s absolutely brilliant. There’s a really good atmosphere and it’s excellent for team-building.”
The Bespoke SuppOARters team is raising funds for Brain Tumour Research inspired by Amanda’s dad, Richard Newcombe.
Richard (pictured with Amanda) was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) last September. He underwent a debulking surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy and, in February, he was told he showed no signs of disease.
Sadly, a scan in June show Richard’s cancer had “returned with a vengeance” and he underwent further debulking surgery. Despite this, he still hopes to be at the race to “help sell lots of charity merchandise”.
Amanda added: “As a company, we don’t take part to win, we do it to raise money for charity, and all our staff and friends are welcome to come along and support us.”
To support team Bespoke SuppOARters fundraising, please donate via their JustGiving page by clicking here.
Related reading:
- Amanda talking about the challenge on BBC Three Counties Radio (listen from 1:46:20)
- Take on a challenge