Businesses pull together for charity boat race

A record 950 participants have taken to the River Tyne for a two-day charity Dragon Boat Race, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

Newcastle’s seventh annual event saw 28 teams race between the Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge, competing for the Dragon Boat Champion trophy.

Flexible workspace provider Orega sponsored the event, with members of its Newcastle team joining professionals from Qubic and Equity Watch, which use its hub at No. 2 St James’ Gate.

Representatives from commercial property agent Naylors and the North East Air Ambulance also joined the Orega crew, which finished 16th overall.

The team raised £1550 towards Orega’s £100,000 fundraising target for Air Ambulances UK, following the launch of a partnership with the charity earlier this year.

Leigh Crowell, regional sales manager at Orega, said: "What a day on the Tyne! 

“Seeing 950 race head-to-head for such an important cause was fantastic, and we're so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. 

“A special thank you goes to our clients at No. 2 St James’ Gate, whose support on the water and along the Quayside showed how strong our community is.

“This year Orega celebrates its 25th anniversary, and we’re proud to provide premium flexible workspace across 25 centres nationwide. 

“Our Newcastle hub is particularly close to our hearts, having helped so many North East businesses connect and grow. 

“Sponsoring an event that celebrates the region’s collaborative spirit felt like the perfect way to mark our milestone year all while supporting a vital local cause!”

Organised by Newcastle NE1, the wider event raised £47,000 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.

Funding will support the Foundation’s campaign to create the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a regional cancer trials research centre.

Plans for the institute are focused on helping patients access promising new treatments while supporting research into faster cancer detection.

Rachel Fenwick, head of marketing and events at NE1, added: “It was fantastic to have Orega on board as a key sponsor of NE1’s biggest Newcastle Dragon Boat Race in its seven-year history. 

“Their support helped us deliver a brilliant two days on the Tyne, with a record number of racers and huge crowds lining the Quayside.

“The atmosphere was incredible, and seeing so many businesses, colleagues, friends and families come together made it a really special finale to NE1’s summer events programme. 

“To raise so much for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation made it all the more rewarding. 

“We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

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