LAMBS OVERBOARD! TEAM HL TO TAKE TO THE WATER FOR THE BIRMINGHAM HOSPICE DRAGON BOAT RACE

While half of the Midlands are inflating their garden pools this week, Team HL will be undertaking a different kind of paddling as they prepare to take part in Birmingham Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race.

The business is one of a number of teams taking part in the exhilarating water sport challenge, which has relocated to Brindleyplace, and will grab their oars on Friday to raise money for Birmingham Hospice, which provides expert end of life care for local people.

Led by captain Tom Morley, Team HL will be made up of Simon Hawley, Andrew Hulbert, Nick Empson, Heana Narshi, Laura Saich, Dominic Wilson, Asiya Begum, Ashley Brown, Keira Redfern and Carolyn Quinn.

Tom said: “Birmingham Hospice and its vital services need no introduction, and we are proud to be taking part in this challenge to help raise essential funds for it to continue to provide them.

“The target across the two-day event is to raise £20,000, which will fund specialist palliative care for those living with a terminal diagnosis.

“The event sounds like incredible fun, and with our ten-strong team – Lambs Overboard – being a fiercely competitive bunch, we are in it to win it – and sincerely hoping the 30-degree plus temperatures have begun to fall by Friday!”

Samantha Julius, Events Officer at Birmingham Hospice, said: “We’re so happy we’ve been able to extend the Dragon Boat Race across two days, so we can welcome more teams in 2026, and even more thrilled to be holding it at Brindleyplace.”

“Brindleyplace is such a special venue and has so much to offer that it will be a memorable day for participants and their supporters. We are hoping to raise £20,000 from this event – money that will fund specialist palliative care for those living with a terminal diagnosis.”

Each day will culminate in a grand finale where the fastest teams from the initial heats go head-to-head to be crowned the 2026 Birmingham Hospice Dragon Boat Race Champions.

Matt Long, Senior Asset Manager for Praxis at Brindleyplace said: “We are delighted to welcome Birmingham Hospice’s Dragon Boat Race to Brindleyplace in 2026.

“This exciting event will be a great addition to our calendar, while raising funds to support the vital work of Birmingham Hospice. Hosting the Dragon Boat Race reflects Brindleyplace’s ongoing commitment to community-focused events and partnerships that make a positive impact.”

Spectators are welcome to attend, with plenty of food and drink outlets on offer at Brindleyplace as well as family-friendly activities available throughout the day.