Daisy Chain, a Teesside-based charity, which supports autistic children, young people and adults, is celebrating following its first charity Boat Race since 2019. The Royal Rumblers – a team of friends headed up by the father of an autistic child – were crowned as winners.
With the event put on hold due to COVID-19, this year’s boat race was particularly special, as the organisation welcomed teams from businesses across the North East and ambassadors from People’s Postcode Lottery. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have helped raise over £2.8 million for Daisy Chain to date.
Racing started at 10am at Tees Barrage International White Water Centre with teams of eight taking their places in the bell boats for the race which raises funds for Daisy Chain every year to support families affected by autism.
Among the teams that picked up their oars and battled it out were winners The Royal Rumblers and Phuison IM, Visualsoft and Sock Monkey Studios. In addition to the corporate teams, there were three teams from Daisy Chain, comprised of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries from the organisation’s adult and wellbeing services, alongside various local community groups including Teesside Lesbian Social Group.
Daisy Chain also welcomed Judie McCourt and Matt Johnson from People’s Postcode Lottery. 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 4,500 families affected by autism across the Tees Valley.
Daniel McKenna from the winning team, The Royal Rumblers, said: “We’re delighted to have retained the trophy after winning in 2019! We really enjoy taking part each year, especially knowing the difference that the money it raises makes to the charity.”
Neeraj Sharma, CEO at Daisy Chain said: “It’s great to see so many people return for our annual Boat Race and to have Judie and Matt here. We’re so grateful for the support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, whose generosity ensures we can continue providing the front-line services that so many families depend on.”
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, Matt Johnson said: “I’ve had an absolute blast today! It’s been amazing to hear about and see first-hand the work that Daisy Chain does with young people and adults affected by autism.
“The Boat Race was a lot of fun and, especially after the last 18 months, seeing people come together safely and enjoy themselves with a common goal was just a wonderful thing to be a part of. It’s all thanks to our players that have raised over £750 million for charities and good causes to date.”
Daisy Chain wants to extend a huge thank you to all of the boat race supporters this year, including the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.
https://www.daisychainproject.co.uk/