A new venue and some sharp September showers didn’t stop teams from local companies showing their colours for St Catherine’s.
In fact it was business as usual on the lake with last year’s champions Crawley based CGG Veritas retaining their race winning crown!
Keith Driver, the CGG Veritas team captain said, “We were quietly confident before the races began and it’s been a great day. We’re on for our hat-trick next year! We’d like to thank all at St Catherine’s for putting on such a fantastic day and to all those who came along to support.”
Second place went to the More than a Dragon team from More Than Insurance in Horsham. Sarah-Jane Smith from the team said “My husband lost his father four years ago and he spent the last six weeks of his life in the care of the hospice. Getting a team a together is a small way that we can give something back to St Catherine’s, to thank them for all the care they provide to local people. It’s been absolutely fantastic today and we’re all really looking forward to next year to see if we can go one better.”
Finishing in third, but yet again scooping the award for the best fancy dress, was the team from Crawley chartered accountants Richard Place Dobson. There were 101 reasons why the Dobson Dalmatians deserved to win the prize and Melissa Morrison-Hardwick from the team explained, “It’s our fourth year here and we were determined to defend our fancy dress crown – we even hand stitched our own spots on the costumes! The firm supports St Catherine’s throughout the year and we always want to come back again to Dragon Boats. It’s a great cause and we were really impressed
St Catherine’s managed to keep the event going – we wouldn’t miss it for the world, wherever it’s held!”
Jeremy Wooton, from Thomas Eggar LLP in Crawley, added, “We’ve been sponsoring the event for three years now, it’s great for team building and a good day out for the all the family. It’s always good fun to take part so we’re delighted to be here once again.” Emma Greenwood from Thomas Eggar has written their account of the day - read it here.
Claire Irving, Fundraising Manager at St Catherine’s Hospice said, “We thank all those who took part this year and those who couldn’t make it but are committed to next year in Crawley.
“We would especially like to thank all at St Barnabas House hospice in Worthing for their help this year, ensuring hospice care in Sussex continues to get the funding it needs.
“We are also grateful to Brooklands Park, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council, our sponsors Thomas Eggar LLP, Edwards Vacuum and Barclays and all our teams.”
Want to secure a place for St Catherine's Hospice Dragon Boat Festival in 2012? Email jennadurdle@stch.org.uk or call 01293 447365/357