Paddlers for Life main page

11th/12th December 2009 - The first visit to 3 River Serpents of Durham, everyone who took part enjoyed

the experience, even though Kenni and her team did work us very hard! We would like to thank the

3 River Serpents for their time and effort that went into this very successful weekend.

Also the same weekend Christine the Treasurer was delighted to receive a cheque for £826.50 from

Elaine Balderson, all collected as a result of her tremendous efforts in this years Great North Swim .

6th December 2009 Members enjoyed a fulfilling Christmas lunch at Skelsmergh Community Hall, near Kendal

the organising committee, for presenting such a fabulous event. Every detail was covered and the Charity benefited

considerably from the donations made on the night. Many thanks to our generous donators. Click on the small pictures below to see the programme we

All of the photographs from the night can be viewed (and purchased) by visiting David Robinson at Morecambephoto and clicking on the 'photobox' tag

Sunday 27th September 2009 - Paddlers were busy at two venues, at the Low Wood Marina, Members had the

pleasure of paddling with the Kinder Children's Choir of the High Peak, and were touched by the Choirs rendition of

Photographs above - The Kinder Children's Choir of the High Peak and Members of Paddlers for Life.

At the same time other Members of Paddlers were competing in the Annual Lytham Round Table Race, forming a

composite team with NHS Lancashire - the team gained a creditable 5th place overall.

Shelly Barlow's Bike4Life - 21st September 2009

Saturday/Sunday 12/13th September 2009 - Paddlers for Life were well represented in this years Great North Swim held at the

Low Wood Marina, Louisa Balderson, Elaine Balderson, Megan Balderson, Karl Wycherly and David McPartlin all completed the mile long

open water swim in Windermere on Saturday, to be followed by Barbara Daniel and Roger, Alison Hodgkinson on the Sunday.

Paddlers for Life members with Sheila and Margaret (extreme and second left) from Abreast in Aboat Vancover

Friday 11th September 2009 - NHS North Lancashire Research & Development Conference 2009, during 2008 Dr Helen Crank
received a research bursary from NHS North Lancashire, Dr Helen presented a paper entitled "Dragon Boat Training
for Breast Cancer Rehabilitation", which detailed the research undertaken with members of Paddlers for Life.
Christine Robinson Treasurer and Trustee of Paddlers for Life talked about the experience of being part of the research.

Friday 11th September 2009 - Paddlers for Life entered the Kendal Torchlight Festival for the very first time on Friday,

thanks to the hard work of Susanne Ziegler, Fran Bowers, and Shelly Barlow's Troupe we won the Best Charitable Organisation Trophy.

Great North Swim - IN the water, rather than ON the water

On the weekend of 12/13th September 2009 the 2nd Great North Swim will be held at the Low Wood Hotel.

Family and members of Paddlers for Life, instead of paddling dragon boats Artemis Diana and Lucy on the waters of Lake Windermere,

All of them have a close experience of cancer, either having been diagnosed or cared for a loved one.

Rather than raise funds for one of the larger charities, we want to do the swim for more local people

so that they can gain from the amazing experience that Paddlers for Life has to offer, once treatment is finished!

David, Karl, Megan, Elaine and Louisa (top row center) are all going out together on the Saturday @ 14.30

Saturday 18th July 2009 - Paddlers for Life survivors and supporters teams together with 27 other teams

A great day was had by all, the supporters team managed a magnificant 4th place with the survivors team

Silverdale Art Group recently had their annual exhibition - part of the Silverdale and Arnside Art Trail,

and this year they chose Paddlers for Life as their charity. During the event donatations were made by members

of the public attending the exhibition. The group also helped to raise awareness of PFL with some infomation and flyers.

Pictured below is Norman Sandland treasurer of the Silverdale Art Group presenting a cheque for £226 to

Margaret Roberts of Paddlers for Life. The Trustees and members of Paddlers for Life would like to

Sunday 28th June 2009. Paddlers for Life members were delighted to welcome survivors and supporters from Dumfries,

Breast Foot Forward Dumfries joined us for a come and try day. their effort in the boat for first timers was fantastic.

We hope that this brief introduction to the sport of Dragon Boating has whet their appetite, and we look forward

Pictured below show members of Breast Foot Forward. More pictures of the day can be seen HERE

Three more commemorative plaques were added to Artemis Diana today, Paddlers for Life wish to express our thanks for the generous donations received.

21st June 2009 Paddlers for Life took part in the Inaugural Summer Solstice Race organised by Windermere Kayak.

The day started with the Dotting of our Dragon's eyes by Julie Armitage of the NHS North Lancashire.

Both of Paddler's dragon boats took part in the event together with 28 other self powered craft.

The paddle started at Waterhead and finished at Fell Foot Park, a distance of over 10 miles, the crew of

Lucy at Low Wood comprising members of Paddlers for Life, NHS North Lancashire and the Low Wood Hotel

completed the course in 1hour 58minutes 46seconds. Artemis Diana crewed by Paddlers for Life followed with

6th June 2009 Paddlers are delighted to acknowledge the generous donation made by Diane Macdonald, NHS North Lancashire

There were certainly no disappointments...Diane and her daughter went to see them on another date!

Sunday 31st May 2009 - The power of the paddle - members were pleased to welcome Barbara Partridge who lives in Birmingham,

Barbara got contacted Paddlers for Life whilst on holiday in Keswick, and after a fabulous day she has been put in touch with

her local dragon boat team. Photograph below shows Barbara (back right) taking her place in one of our boats.

Also on the 31st our we launched our new support boat. This craft will be used to assist in training and events, as well as giving reassurance

Sunday 17th May 2009 - Members were pleased to welcome Donna and Margaret from Tasmania, who ventured out on

Sunday April 19th 2009 - Another beautiful day on Lake Windermere was shared with ITV Border TV. They

filmed and interviewed members of Paddlers for Life, thank you for another great turnout.

Sunday 12th April 2009 - Fantastic start to the 2009 season, beautiful sunny weather and over 40 paddlers

Sunday 5th April 2009 - Paddlers for Life members took to the water they were then joined

later in the day by 25 'new to paddling' visitors. Click on the image to see a video clip.

Saturday 4th April 2009 - 34 members of Paddlers for Life met at the Low Wood Hotel to receive the results of

Later in the day the final water based training session took place at Kendal Leisure Center.

Tuesday 31st March 2009 -Pulling Together For Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema.

The programme included contributions from members of the NHS North Lancashire, Paddlers for Life, Dr Helen Crank, Denise Hardy, and Alison Hodkinson,

and was principally to set out the findings of the research which has been carried out by Dr Crank with members of Paddlers for Life.

Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema - in a nutshell - Denise Hardy - Lymphoedema Specialist

Dragon Boat Paddling after Breast Cancer. What is the evidence? - Dr Helen Crank - Centre for sport and exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University

Exercise Referral Following Treatment for Cancer - Alison Hodgkinson - P.H Improvement Specialist (Physical Activity) NHS North Lancashire

Dr Crank's research findings, which were very well received, will be presented to members of Paddlers for Life on Saturday 4th April in the Buckley Room of

Breast Cancer Care Newsletter.

The following two page article appears in the spring edition of Breast Cancer Care News.

This article is reproduced from the Spring 2009 issue of Breast Cancer Care News. © Breast Cancer Care.
No part of the article may be reproduced without their permission.

Sunday 15th March 2009 Walk to Loughrigg Fell - Members split into two groups to enjoy a walk around/over Loughrigg Fell the weather

was very kind to us. We thank Tony and Aly our expert guides and look forward to the next one.

Saturday 7th March 2009. 24 members of Paddlers for Life took to the water on Saturday evening at the Kendal Leisure Center. Not only was

it great fun, but also very informative. Our thanks to Paul from the Low Wood Water Sports Center, who gave us instruction on how to wear

buoyancy aids in the correct manner and what to do when in the water, looking after each other in groups and swimming like a sea serpent!

Our thanks also to Karl who brought two canoe's to give everyone the experience of a capsize and being under an upturned boat.

To view a short video of the evening click here. The event is to be repeated on the 4th April 2009, members who have not yet

experience being in the water fully clothed are encouraged to attend, together with those members who can't wait to try it again.

Saturday and Sunday 21/22 February 2009. We had an excellent turnout for the boat maintenance, many hands do make light work.

Sunday 8th February 2009. After a very well attended general meeting at Silverdale, members enjoyed a Jacobs Join followed by a brisk, chilly

There have been many requests for Lynn Shamal's poem given at the Chinese New Year Celebration

Paddlers for Life members celebrated the Chinese New Year with a Chinese style meal at the Low Wood Hotel,

followed in the afternoon by paper Dragon Boat making. The excellent event was organised Lynn Shamal and Jo Stoney,

members were invited to attach a personal message to their paper boats before launching them on a very wintery Windermere .

10 January 2009 Please click on the following link - North Lancashire Teaching Primary Care Trust press release to read this important

Sunday 4th January 2009. The sun soon burnt off the mist surrounding Lake Windermere to allow everyone on our New Year walk to enjoy

wonderful views as well as getting much needed exercise after the Christmas excesses! More walks are planned so come along.

The following article is from the Winter 2008 copy of Insight, the Health and Wellbeing staff magazine of the Sheffield Hallam University.

feature

Sunday 7th December 2008 It might have been a grey misty cold day at Windermere, but inside the Low Wood Hotel the atmosphere was fantastic.

47 members and supporters gathered for our first Christmas lunch and it was delicious, to think just 11 short months ago the inaugural

meeting of Paddlers for Life took place in the same venue, how far we have come, and the journey has only just begun.

Photo's coming soon.

Sunday 16th November 2008 The first annual general meeting of Paddlers for Life took place at the village hall Abbystead,

the well attended meeting was followed by a delicious Jacob's joint buffet ( thank you everyone!) and then a walk

in the glorious countyside around Abbeystead.

A report of the meeting will appear shortly.

agm recieving cake

Members attend the AGM at Abbeystead -and a special cake for the occassion.

walk

and after the buffet - a healthy walk, conducted by Harry and Elaine Balderson around their beautiful

village of Abbeystead.

Sunday 19th October 2008 It might have been wet and wild at the Low Wood Marina but we still paddled, and thanks to

a tremendous efforts by June Baker and Stacey Donnelly , Paddlers for Life received donations of over £800 following the Lytham

Dragon Boat Festival and the Great Swim respectively.

june

Here we see the Chairman Sue Cogley and Treasurer Christine Robinson receiving a cheque from June Baker.

Monday 6th October 2008 The Channel 4 Television programme The Great North Swim gives an excellent account

of the day at the Low Wood Hotel marina. With a special cameo feature showing Paddlers for Life in action.

Although the Channel 4 program can no longer be seen via 'on demand', it is still being seen worldwide after

channel 4 television sucessfully sold the rights to many countries.

Sunday 28th September 2008 - Lytham Round Table Dragon boat Festival.

What a fantastic day, it is difficult to believe that we were able to enter two full crews into this event after only 5 months on the

water. In all 21 crews enterd the event, for Paddlers for Life there was Artemis Diana survivors crew and Lucy at Low Wood

supporters crew, we were also very happy to have with us the NHS 'Oarsome' crew which used Lucy at Low Wood.

All three crews reached the semi finals, unfortunately the survivors met the supporters in the semi finals!

The supporters won their semi final and went on to collect runners up medal in the final.

But the day was about fun and friendships, not medals, let the photos' of the day do the talking!

survivors

Paddlers for Life Survivors Crew.

two crews

Our Two Crews together, Survivors and Supporters.

oarsome

The NHS 'Oarsome' Crew

Lots more photo's of the event here Lytham Round Table Dragon Boat Festival

If you would a 5x7 mounted print of any of the photographs (£2.50) please contact

david@paddlersforlife.co.uk

Sunday 21st September 2008 - We had a great turnout for the final Sunday practice before the Lytham event, 43 paddlers in all.

final practice

Three Crews from our Low Wood Marina base will be competing in the Lytham Event - so good luck to everyone.

Paddlers for Life Survivors Team in Artemis Diana - June,Harry,Louisa,Fran,Sue,Muku,Gaynor,Ann

Hazel,Maggie,Sue,Rowena,Lynn,Jo,Christine,Meryl,Georgie,Anne,Suzanne,Ann.

Paddlers for Life Supporters Crew in Lucy at Low Wood -Elaine,Megan,Dietmar,Paul,Jane,Tom,Peter

Helen,Lizzie,Nick,John,Leslie,Chris,Dave,Helen,Bill,Jeff,Keith,Roz,Lorna,David,Louise.

Oarsome comprising members from

NHS North Lancashire (formally NLTPCT),

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay

St John's Hospice Lancaster.

Julie,Frank,Alex,Sue,Nicky,Cara,Alison,Karen,Mike,Jenny,Karen,Jane,Laura,Sheila,Rose,Jacqui,Jackie,

Nikki,Patricia,Anne,Vicky,Claire.

Photo's from the final Sunday practice can be viewed here, thanks to Karl Wycherly.

Great North Swim

On the 13th September 2008 our home, the Low Wood Marina became the venue for the first Great Swim, and Great it was with over 2000

swimmers, including Olympians and celebrities,and thousands of spectators. Television and radio coverage took place

(programme to be screened on Channel 4 television early October.)

Paddlers for Life are full of admiration for all the swimmers who completed the 1 mile course, but are particularly proud of the swimmers show below

as they all raised funds for our Charity.

From left to right Matt (Low Wood Marina) **Barbara Daniel & Roger Butterfield** Stacey Donnelly** Robert Parker

Thanks to our extensive team of photographers Harry Balderson, Karl Wycherly, David McPartland and David Robinson

see more photographs from the event here.

Preparations are well advanced for our Inaugural Competitive Event, our two boats, one crewed by survivors and one by supporters

will take part in the Lytham Round Table Dragon Boat Festival on the 28th September 2008.The Survivors boat will be

sponsored by the North Lancashire Primary Care Trust.

See our venue through the Low Wood Watersports Center webcam

Low Wood Webcam

it's good to watch but there's nothing like being there!

Dr Helen Crank Senior Research Fellow visited North Lancashire NHS Primary Care Trust on Thursday 21st August 2008

to receive the research bursary from the research and development unit.

The following commendation was made during the presentation -

"The North Lancashire Teaching Primary Care Trust and Development Bursary Panel were highly favourable

of this proposal, considering it a highly interesting and innovative piece of research that has the potential to improve health outcomes in the community."

More details of Dr Helen Crank's work can be found in articles on the Past News page.

29th August 2008 The World fire fighter Games Event was held in Liverpool, local fire fighters have been using the facilites of Paddlers for Life

at Low Wood Marina for training, the photograph below shows the only all woman team in action at Liverpool Docks,

on stroke is the Chairman of Paddlers for Life Sue Cogley.

Dr Helen Crank Senior Research Fellow visited North Lancashire NHS Primary Care Trust on Thursday 21st August 2008 to receive the research bursary from the research and development unit.

3rd August 2008 Another great day at our venue, the Low Wood Water Sports Center, as 45 paddlers took to the water to take advantage of Three River Serpents member Keni Mayes excellent tuition, many thanks for her enthusiasm and knowledge. Keni returns on the 31st August 2008 to offer further coaching.

30 July 2008 Dr Helen Crank of Sheffield Hallam University has been successfully in obtaining substantial funding from NLTPCT 2008 Research Bursaries. This great news secures the ongoing research program being carried out by Dr Crank and members of Paddlers for Life.

The research,which is now in it's second phase, involves the preparation and implementation of a training program for survivors, together with weekly paddling in the Charities boats, followed by comprehensive monitoring of members of the study group.

The aim is to determine the effect of exercise, and Dragon Boating on Breast Cancer Survivors, in particular in relation to lymphoedema

Paddlers for Life in Cumbria Life Magazine, 2 page article in current edition.

Friday 4th July 2008. A grueling but successful day was had by all.

Members of the Low Wood Marina staff and Paddlers for Life received instruction from Barbara, Rob and Frank of

the 4 Dragons Limited.

and thanks to their expert tuition and the superb group of members that paddled throughout the day, seven awards of

Basic Helm PLS1 were granted.

4dragonat lowwood

Tired but happy paddlers with Barbara, Rob and Frank from 4 Dragons Limited .

Paddlers for Life article in August edition of Cumbria Life Magazine- on sale soon.

The following articles featured in the British Lymphology Society publication BLS News & Views ,May/June Issue.

They give details of the Paddles for Life Seminar and Launch together with more information on the research

that our Charity is involved with regarding lymphoedema.

Sue Cogley - Chairperson Paddlers for Life

The Dotting of the Eyes Ceremony took place on the 8th June 2008,

and was a tremendous success, our sincere thanks go to

Mr Alan Seatwo, Chairman of the Liverpool Pagoda Chinese Community Center.

Mr Alan Seatwo

To view photo's of the day click HERE

A NEW video of the day will be available shortly.

Sunday May 25th at 10.30am Low Wood Marina, Windermere - we were all delighted by the sight

of our newly painted head for the yellow boat.

What do you think of it? A special thanks to Suzanne for the artwork.

You can see what our Paddlers think!

paddling

Saturday May 17th - Paddlers for Life were delighted to welcome two Canadian Paddlers, Jane Frost and Carol Dale, original members of Abreast In A Boat, Vancouver.

Jane and Carol are representing the International Pink Dragon Boat Commission [IPDBC] and are panel members for the selection of a 2010 venue. In addition Jane and Carol were both members of the original study, carried out by Professor Don McKenzie MD PHD (see 'about us'), so we had plenty to talk about as members of Paddlers for Life are currently undergoing a repeat of the study, this being undertaken by Dr Helen Crank of Sheffield University.

Jane and Carol also took the opportunity of joining us in one of our boats.

Sue Cogley, Chairperson, Paddlers for Life, with Paul (Low Wood Marina), Carol Dale and

Jane Frost.

26th January 2008 . Inaugural seminar held at Low Wood Hotel tremendous success

- full report and pictures Here

5th January 2008

Members of the Charity met at the Low Wood Hotel, on the banks of Lake Windermere, to put the finishing touches to the Paddlers for Life Launch Seminar to be held on the 26th of this month.

The speakers have now been selected and the final programme agreed, a full report of the day, with video footage will appear on this web site soon after the event.

Meanwhile a here are couple of photographs of members, braving a winters day outside the venue of the charity.

November 2007

November 8th 2007 . Paddlers for Life granted registered charity status by the Charity Commission. Registered number 1121539

RHEGED CENTRE.

October 13th - 14th. We presented a stand at the Cumbria Life Woman Festival, held at the Rheged Centre, Penrith. The two days at Rheged has been well spent resulting in some useful contacts, recruitment to the team and not least of all, positive health promotion messages on breast care awareness. A great time had by all!

October 2007

Extract from Issue 11 of 'The Trading Pulse' - a Lancaster University Magazine.

The dragon spirit is alive and well. 'Paddlers for Life' is the name finally chosen for the Cumbria and Lancashire Dragon Boat Team made up mostly, but not exclusively, of breast cancer survivors. Family and friends are also an important part with partners and children sharing friendship and camaraderie.

It's all hands on deck to create a logo that represents what we are about and, most importantly, where we are to be located, on the shores of Lake Windermere. We need a quirky strap line too! 2008 is going to be our year!

A small, but dedicated group of women are continuing in their efforts to plan for a launch day in January 2008, generously hosted by the English Lakes Hotel Group. Until we hear from the Charity Commission about our application, there remains the small matter of obtaining a dragon boat and equipment. A successful proposal to a national charity means that a boat should be resting upon the lake shore ready for our first paddling season in the spring.

By this time , valued support of the University Sports Centre in the form of a dry training programme, will prepare the 'pink ladies' with fitness levels, technical skills and confidence to grace the Cumbrian waters in our beautifully dressed dragon boat.

A warm invitation goes out to all who may be inspired to join us so that Paddlers for Life can go from strength to strength whilst providing fun, fitness and friendship.

"I am a newcomer to this sport(and all sports for the past 30 years!) but this has made me feel alive and like I can conquer almost anything"

Louisa Balderson.

Photography and webdesign by David Robinson at Morecambephoto