RRG donates £1000 to local Breast Cancer group towards purchase of first Dragon Boat

Joint MDs Arran Bangham and Tony Cliff presenting the cheque to Ann Johnson

Founder of Paddlers for Life Manchester is RRG’s Executive Secretary RRG Group, the North’s leading dealership group, today announced it has donated £1000 to Paddlers for Life Manchester, a local Breast Cancer group, towards the purchase of their first Dragon Boat. The charity is close to the heart of RRG Group as the founder of Paddlers for Life Manchester is RRG Executive Secretary Ann Johnson, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer seven years ago.

Speaking at the cheque handover Ann Johnson commented: “We’re thrilled to receive this fantastic donation from RRG as it means our group now has its very own Dragon Boat. When I finished my treatment in 2007 I joined Paddlers for Life Windermere and enjoyed regularly paddling with them, then last year I founded Paddlers for Life Manchester so women locally could get involved. Paddling helps to ease the symptoms of lymphoedema, a secondary condition following Breast Cancer treatment, and the camaraderie of the group is a wonderful form of support at what can be a very challenging time.”

With the help of donations from RRG and fundraising efforts throughout the year Paddlers for Life Manchester purchased the boat for £2,500 from the Windermere branch. Managing Director, RRG, Tony Cliff, commented, “As a group we all enjoy raising money for worthwhile causes, but this one in particular was very close to our hearts given its significance to Ann, a much loved member of the RRG team.”

Holding 16 paddlers, a drummer and a helm, the 42 foot boat named Artemis Diana is now stored at Debdale Outdoor Centre in Manchester, operated by Manchester City Council. The storage costs of the boat - £250 per month - are covered by donations from other corporate companies in Manchester and the group is looking for ongoing funding.

Ann added: “Before we can even get out on the water we need to raise £3,000 annually just to cover storage at Debdale. The team at Debdale offer the use of their facilities and are enthusiastic supporters of Paddlers for Life. So we’d like to make a plea to anyone who would like to get involved with fundraising to keep this much-needed group, which helps people with or recovering from Breast Cancer lead full and active lives, to please get in touch. In addition we’d love to encourage new members to come on board, either to paddle, support with fundraising, or simply to make teas and coffees in our friendly, local group.”

Last year the Artemis Diana took part in the Queen’s Flotilla in June, with Ann part of the crew, and this year the team will be registering its interest in the Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival taking place in Sarasota, Florida in October 2014. The festival takes place every four years and Ann was part of the last one in Canada. Ann commented, “In 2010 I was lucky enough to be part of this festival and I experienced something :onderful, 75 teams from around the world featuring women who had all undergone Breast Cancer treatment, it was truly inspirational.”