Rhyl Rotary Club take silver in charity Dragon Boat Race

For the second year running, a 20-person crew - the Rhyl Row-tarians - nominated the Llandudno hospice as their charity, in memory of the sister of Rotary Club race organiser Tracey Phillips, as they launched their boat in Llanberis.

The intrepid rowers channeled their inner Olympians to secure a coveted silver medal, seeing off opposition including Lyons Warriors and Conwy Dragons in a gruelling series of knockout rounds, semi-finals and final - a two-boat race narrowly won by the Dream of Dan's Dragons team.

Rhyl Rotary Club has chosen the hospice recently after it cared for Tracey's sister Beverley, who sadly died from a brain tumour in 2018.

"During her final days, St David's looked after Beverly so well, with kindness and exceptional care," said Tracey. "The family will be eternally grateful to the wonderful staff who showed dedication, professionalism and such compassion and it has been our pleasure, as a Rotary Club, to contribute in this way."

Beverley's husband Martin, a volunteer at the hospice, was a steward during the race. Tracey and Beverley's other sister Julie joined another Dragon Boat crew representing Learning Disability Week

"This was an amazing effort from our club members and to gain silver medals from such a mixed-age crew is an outstanding achievement," said John Dicks, President of Rhyl Rotary Club.

"We do not yet know the final amount raised as sponsorship funds are still coming in but it is well over £1,000. Very well done to everybody involved."

Richard Jones, Head of Communications at St David's Hospice said: "Our hospice is now in its 25th year.  It's thanks to our loyal supporters such as The Rotary Club of Rhyl that we are able to offer the wonderful service we strive to achieve.

"The funds raised by the club will help maintain medical supplies to the hospice. Thanks and congratulations to the Row-tarians on raising so much money and gaining the silver medal in a race involving 11 outstanding teams."