Cath Groome

I became interested in Bourne Water Dragons when I picked up a leaflet a couple of years ago at the Jigsaw Unit, Bournemouth University Hospital Dorset (UHD), where I was receiving immunotherapy treatment for follicular lymphoma. At that time, in my mind, I was trying to get fit but really wasn’t up to it physically or mentally.

One year later, I joined the group for three taster sessions, and can really say that it helped me to cope with living life with cancer. We go out on the tranquil River Stour every Sunday morning at 9.30 and Thursday evening at 6.00 pm, weather permitting.

I will never forget those taster sessions where everyone was so friendly. We are, after all, in the same boat, being cancer survivors, both male and female.

I absolutely loved it. A dragon boat is a long boat with a crew of 16 or more people, 22 being the maximum. BWD have two boats, a big one and a smaller one. We sit in twos and face the front of the boat (not like rowing). Not really being a water lover and never having done anything like this before, I was a little nervous at first but was soon put at ease by my companions, helping to get me in and out of the vessel, instructing, guiding, and directing.

Getting out on the river is simply a joy and has a wonderful calming effect. The scenery is beautiful, seeing the land from a different perspective. We bring a smile to everyone we pass, whether they are on lavish large yachts, more humble hire boats, or paddleboards. All give a cheery “good morning” or wave. The exercise is glorious, and we work rhythmically as a team, following the instructions from the helm at the back, who tells us when to slow down, stop, go backwards, etc. There are certain words for certain things that I got used to (terminology). Everyone helps to get the boat ready to be launched and to take it out of the water on return. Then, the session is followed by a sociable cup of tea or coffee.

It is a sport that one can get lost in. Your mind clears, and you can absolutely live the moment… very special. Sometimes, we have a drummer at the front who beats the rhythm of the strokes, and that adds to the experience.

Occasionally, we take part in competitions, notably Cookham, Sherbourne and Poole Park, and have even participated in overseas ones. Last year we went to Donegal. What a fabulous time that was. Hosted by the Donegal Dragons, breast cancer survivors, we enjoyed the hospitality of the Irish, the Guinness and the craic, and this year we are off to Barcelona in May.

If you would like to meet a nice bunch of people, try a new sport, enjoy being on the river… we would love to meet you.