A PIONEERING dragon boat team will be making waves in Poole Park today. Bourne Water Dragons, based at Iford Christchurch, is thought to be the only team in the UK that includes both men and women with all cancers.

Founder member Christine Bailey explained: “We encompass all genders and all cancers. This is at the heart of our focus as there’s not much out there for men after they’ve finished cancer treatment and to work together brings such a wonderful connection for both women and men to promote a healthy body and mind.

“We’ve just become a registered charity and have recently had the dotting of the eye ceremony to bless the boat and team, which was a huge success with many supporters.”

Christine, who was previously involved in Pink Champagne, a dragon boat for women recovering from breast cancer, added: “Post cancer is an enormously difficult time for all, which is often where people feel most alone, so the more people we can reach, the more people we can help.”

Chairman Layne Hamerston said: “After 12 years supporting many hundreds of people who have experienced cancer towards better health and well-being, I feel so privileged to be chair of this unique and welcoming dragon-boating support group for both men and women who have experienced cancer.”

“Traditionally dragon-boating rehabilitation and cancer has predominantly been associated with women and breast cancer. Now men locally have an opportunity take part in this fun and friendly activity on the beautiful Stour River that’s really beneficial for physical, social and emotional health, fitness and wellbeing. So, with that in mind, this is an invitation to men who have experienced cancer to come along and have some fun with a friendly bunch of paddlers in the same boat.”

*To find out more, join the team at Poole Park from 10am today or visit the charity's Facebook page.