We’re proud sponsors of Bluebell Wood’s oar-some Dragon Boat Race 2025
We’re committed to caring for the communities around our Blackburn Meadows biomass plant in Sheffield and that includes our ongoing support for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
And this year, we’re proud sponsors of Bluebell Wood’s popular Dragon Boat Race which invites teams to go head-to-head at Manvers Lake in Rotherham on 12th July, while raising vital funds for the charity.
Now in its eighth year, the event sees teams from local businesses – including E.ON – and the community take part in an exhilarating, fast-paced series of rowing races in dragon boats. The day’s events will also feature family-friendly activities and entertainment, including fun activities led by the Army, as well as a variety of food vendors.
Jess Dhariwal, Plant Manager at E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows biomass energy plant, said: “We’re delighted to support the local communities around our Blackburn Meadows site and are proud to not only sponsor Bluebell Wood’s Dragon Boat Race this year, but to have our own colleagues take part as well.
“This is a milestone event in the local community calendar, bringing people together for a fun-packed family day out. Good luck to all the teams taking part – we look forward to a wonderful event, all while supporting an incredibly important and worthwhile cause.”
Heidi Hawkins, Chief Executive of Bluebell Wood, added: “We’re so excited to announce the date of this year’s Family Friendly Dragon Boat Race. The event is always full of team-spirit, drawing big crowds and plenty of excitement, and this year is set to be even bigger and better!
“Our teams are always up for lots of fun, with many getting dressed up for the event, making a real splash on the lake and helping raise funds for our hospice by taking part, too. There’s also lots of fun and activities on site for families as well, with plenty to entertain people of all ages even if you’re not rowing a Dragon Boat yourself. It’s a fantastic day out and a real spectacle to watch.”
Last year, the event raised more than £33,000 for Bluebell Wood. This year, the charity hopes to top that number with activities in place in the run-up to the event such as a team raffle, with prizes including festival tickets, holiday vouchers and more.
About Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which opened in 2018, aims to create a home from home, caring for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short and supporting families facing the hardest of times. The hospice supports children and families from across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire.
About Blackburn Meadows
Based in Sheffield, our biomass-fuelled combined heat and power plant, Blackburn Meadows, has been operational since 2015. It uses recycled waste wood sourced from within the UK to generate 30MW of electrical energy and up to 25MW of thermal energy, powering up to 69,000 homes and businesses in the South Yorkshire region.
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