The annual Peel Waters Dragon Boat Race made a triumphant return to Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters last Thursday, raising an impressive £40,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice. Organised by regeneration specialists Peel Waters and proudly sponsored by Anchor Group Services, the event saw dozens of local businesses take to the water in a spectacular display of colour, competition, and community spirit.
The event comes amid a wave of exciting developments for Liverpool Waters, including planning approvals for the UK’s first floating Padel tennis courts and clubhouse and the expansion of the UK’s first public floating sauna, both located within Princes Dock.
The Dragon Boat Race has become a much-anticipated highlight of the Liverpool business calendar. Teams not only compete for victory on the water but also unite to support local children and families in need. Funds raised will directly support Claire House, which provides vital care for children with life-limiting conditions across Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Wales. This includes specialist nursing, palliative care, emergency support, and respite services.
This year’s donations will also support Claire House’s second hospice facility in West Derby, offering families in Liverpool a dedicated space during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Participating teams included Anchor Group Services, Anstey Horne, Avison Young, Brabners, CBRE, Colliers, DSG Accountants, Ener-Vate, Equans, Griffiths & Armour, If We Ran The Zoo, Krol Corlett, Peel Retail & Leisure, Peel Waters, Vital Energie, and Walker Sime, each raising a minimum of £875 in sponsorship.
The competition featured 13 dragon boats, each adorned with ornate dragon heads and tails. Teams raced over three timed heats of roughly 200m, culminating in knockout stages. Guests enjoyed refreshments from local independents such as Parkgate Fish and Chips, Dope Crusts, Fellicis Ice Cream, and The Bus Yard.
After a thrilling day on the water, Avison Young and CBRE joined forces and were crowned champions, winning all five of their races. The event not only celebrated business camaraderie but also demonstrated Liverpool Waters’ growing role as a hub for community and recreation.
Liza Marco, Assets Manager at Liverpool Waters, said:
“We are proud to once again host the Peel Waters Dragon Boat Race at Princes Dock and to see the community come together for such a fantastic cause.
“Each year the event gets bigger and bigger, with more teams competing, more crowds coming down to cheer on the competitors and with so much to do in Liverpool Waters it’s a really fun day for everyone! Raising a record £40,000 is testament to the generosity, enthusiasm, and team spirit of everyone who takes part.”
Andrew Harper, CEO at Anchor Group Services, said:
“As the event sponsor, we were thrilled to once again support this event and witness first-hand the energy and commitment of all the teams. Claire House makes an enormous difference to families facing the most difficult circumstances, and we are proud that this event helps them continue their incredible work.”
Dan Halliday, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Claire House, said:
“We are so grateful to everyone involved in the Liverpool Waters Dragon Boat Race. The funds raised ensure we can continue providing vital services – from planned respite stays to our 24/7 Rapid Response team, who support children and families in moments of greatest need. Every penny raised will make a real difference to the families we care for.”
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