A BRADFORD charity is calling on companies and businesses across the district to join its fundraising team ahead of the return of a popular festival this summer.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is preparing for this year’s Bradford Dragon Boat Festival by asking for people from the region to join forces with its intrepid team of paddlers.

The official NHS charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will return to the famous festival on 3 July.

It follows a two-year hiatus which saw the festival postponed amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Bradford Hospitals’ Charity team previously enjoyed roaring success in 2019, when it entered 12 teams and raised more than £16,000 for a worthy cause.

But with the NHS having experienced one of the toughest times in its history in the aftermath of the pandemic, hospital staff have been unable to commit to the festival since.

This year, Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is calling on the business community to put teams forward to race the dragon, which will help to raise money, say thank you and show support for our NHS.

Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “We’re incredibly excited to return to the festival this year after two years away to fly the flag for Bradford’s hospitals.

“With most people now returning to the office after what has been a very challenging two years, this is a perfect opportunity to build some team spirit, while supporting our NHS.”

The Bradford Dragon Boat Festival multi-charity day will take place at Robert’s Park in Saltaire on Sunday, 3 July.

A team consists of 16 paddlers and a drummer, so ideally 20 people are required to allow for substitutes.

No experience is needed.

At the Dragon Boat Festival, each team gets three attempts to set a fast time, and the teams with the fastest times then advance to the semi-finals and eventually the final.

There is a champion on both days.

At the 2019 festival, a total of 130 teams and 2,600 participants took part in the festival, which is the biggest event of its kind in the UK, and one of the biggest in Europe.

For an informal chat about taking part for Team Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, contact the charity team on 01274 274809, or email charity@bthft.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, you can sign up directly via the charity website at https://bradfordhospitalscharity.org/challenge-events/bradforddragonboatfestival/.