Pool of Life wins National Lottery funding from Sport England
POOL OF LIFE, Liverpool’s very own Breast Cancer Survivors’ Dragon Boat Racing Team, is celebrating having been awarded £3,419 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s ‘Return to Play’ Small Grants Award Scheme. The money will help the charity buy additional safety equipment to help existing and new members return to the water as safely as possible, once permitted.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and the consequent shutdown of all fundraising activity in March 2020 has left the team facing a period of enormous challenges. The grant will allow Pool of Life to buy additional buoyancy aids and paddles so they can be used individually by existing and new members. The grant will also help towards an event tent, which will serve as a changing facility for the crew in the short term, once restrictions are lifted. The tent can also be utilised for competitions around the country and fundraising activities in the city.
Established in 2004, Pool of Life was the first ever UK Breast Cancer Survivors’ Dragon Boat Team, and it’s still going strong today. Evidence suggests that this sport is both physically and mentally beneficial to anyone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis. Paddling with Pool of Life really is the perfect blend of fitness, friendship, and support – and it’s great fun too! New members are always welcome, and all safety equipment is provided.
Pool of Life Grants Officer, Sheila Greenwood, said: “It’s been tough, not being on the water during the pandemic, but we hope to get back to paddling soon now, and this grant will help us do so as safely as possible when the time comes. We are delighted to have secured this investment, and our thanks go to all those who play the National Lottery as we wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”
