Martin House Dragon Boat Race raises over £116,000 for the hospice!
After the disappointment of the event being cancelled in 2025, the Martin House Dragon Boat Race makes a triumphant return to Roundhay Park!
HARIBO UK was proud to once again be the headline sponsor of the much‑loved Martin House Dragon Boat Race, which made a vibrant and long‑awaited return to Roundhay Park, Leeds, bringing together teams, families and spectators for a memorable day of sport, fundraising, and community spirit.
After a year’s absence due to environmental conditions on the lake, the event was back on the water at Waterloo Lake in Leeds, and the atmosphere did not disappoint. With racing taking place throughout the day, the Dragon Boat Race once again proved why it remains one of the most hotly anticipated events in the fundraising calendar.
Hundreds of paddlers took part across 35 teams, each made up of ten rowers and a drummer, battling it out in eye‑catching dragon boats. Races ran every few minutes, culminating in an exciting grand final as teams competed to lift the coveted Dragon Boat Race trophy.
Off the water, Roundhay Park was buzzing with activity. Visitors enjoyed a full programme of entertainment, including a family funfair, food and makers’ stalls, a tug‑of‑war competition and opportunities to support Martin House through donations. The event created a brilliant day out for families, supporters and colleagues alike, with plenty of colour, costumes and cheering from the sidelines.
Now in its 18th year, the Dragon Boat Race continues to raise vital funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice, which provides specialist care and support for babies, children, young people and their families across West, North and East Yorkshire.
As well as taking part in the event, colleagues from Team HARIBO were also present to support fundraising efforts on the day. Support with treats and games, the team were on hand all day to work with and show support to our charity partner of 18 years!
Since the event began in 2008, it has raised an incredible £848,513, with this year’s total of over £116,000 set to add significantly to that figure! Every pound raised helps Martin House continue delivering family‑led care, including respite stays, symptom management, emergency care and bereavement support; all at no cost to the families who rely on it.
We were delighted to support the Dragon Boat Race once again as headline sponsor, helping to ensure that even more of the money raised goes directly towards supporting families.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said:
“The Dragon Boat Race is always a highlight in the calendar for the HARIBO UK team. We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with Martin House and its fundraising campaigns for 18 years. Our shared purpose is all about creating memorable moments of happiness for children and families who need it most, and it was fantastic to be part of such a positive, joyful day.”
From paddlers and drummers to volunteers, spectators and sponsors, the success of the Dragon Boat Race is down to the incredible community that comes together year after year to support Martin House.
HARIBO is proud to stand alongside Martin House and looks forward to continuing this long‑standing partnership, helping to create moments of joy while supporting the vital care the hospice provides.
To find out more about Martin House Children’s Hospice or how you can support their work, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk.
