Dressed in their best Hawaiian costumes a group of Daisy Chain dads, The Hula Oops, grooved their way to triumph in the Daisy Chain annual fundraising Boat Race.
The team of eight made a colourful spectacle in grass skirts and traditional Lei necklaces as they beat off stiff competition to lift the 2019 trophy.
There was a great competitive spirit among all the teams including a team from Billingham Synthonia FC managed by Boro legend Jamie Pollock, whose recent signing is Love Island and Geordie Shore reality TV star Sam Gowland.
Other teams who took part in the event at the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre included Newcastle Building Society, Darlington Building Society, Barclaycard, Clicksco, Mandale Group, Watson Woodhouse Solicitors, community groups and Daisy Chain’s siblings group and adult group.
Daisy Chain was also delighted to welcome a team from People’s Postcode Lottery to celebrate a whole decade of receiving funding. The support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has been integral to the development and growth of Daisy Chain over the last decade. It means the charity is now able to support over 2,300 families affected by autism across the Tees Valley.
Each year the event raises thousands of pounds to support families across the Tees Valley affected by autism.
Daisy Chain chief executive, Neeraj Sharma said, ‘The Daisy Chain Boat Race is a great family occasion in a fantastic setting down by the River Tees. It’s wonderful to see companies and teams come together with a competitive spirit to see if they can out-row the rival teams and raise funds to support us at the same time.
‘This year we were delighted to welcome a team from People’s Postcode Lottery, celebrating their support of Daisy Chain for an amazing ten years. The continued support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery means we can plan ahead and ensure our services are stable and robust for families who depend on us.’
In addition to the prestigious trophy, the winning team received a voucher for a white-water rafting experience at the Tees Barrage.
If your appetite is whetted to take part next year the date is Saturday July 4 and you call the events manager now to secure your place on 01642 531248.