Splash-tastic event raises more than £4,000 for Rushden children's charity

Teams took to the water to raise more than £4,000 for Spurgeons in the first ever Splash and Dash challenge at Rushden Lakes.
Splash and Dash at Rushden LakesSplash and Dash at Rushden Lakes
Splash and Dash at Rushden Lakes

The event on Sunday (September 30) saw 17 teams from across the country competing in six-man KataKanus racing across the water.

Splash and Dash was jointly held with Spurgeons children’s charity, Rushden Lakes and Canoe2.

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The winning team, Anytime Fitness Rushden, dominated the proceedings, beating Morrisons, Lead Balloon, which included teachers from a local primary school, and Rushden Rotary Club.

Sue Dennis, Spurgeons’ community fundraising manager, said: “This was a truly amazing opportunity for Spurgeons to work closely with Rushden Lakes and Canoe2 to deliver the first ever challenge event on the lake.

“To have raised well in excess of £4,000 for vulnerable children and families is remarkable, and we still have team sponsorship money coming in.

“There are so many people we need to thank for helping to make this event a reality, especially Rushden Lakes, Canoe2 and Beat Route Radio.

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“A huge thank you to all those businesses and groups who entered teams and to the volunteers and supporters on the day, who all contributed in so many ways.”

Ian Blackwell, director at Canoe2, said: “We’ve admired the wonderful work that Spurgeons do for a long time now and so it meant a lot to us all at Canoe2 to be able to host and be a part of this event.

“We take our role as custodians of the lake really seriously and so it was fantastic to bring our local community down to enjoy the water for the day.

“We are really looking forward to seeing even more teams out here at the starting buoy for the 2019 instalment.”

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Participating teams included River Island, White Stuff, Marks and Spencer, Decathlon, AJ Cycles, Pizza Venezia, Rushden Rotary Club, Techniplast UK, Mitchells and Butlers and Beat Route Radio.

Rushden Lakes also entered a management team of its own.

Anyone who wants to support Spurgeons, from volunteering to awareness raising or registering interest for next year’s Splash, can get in touch with the fundraising team by emailing [email protected].

Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting children and families affected by social disadvantage.

In the past year, Spurgeons has delivered more than 50 projects and reached out to more than 81,000 vulnerable children, parents and carers.

The charity’s services ensure vulnerable children and families can access the help they need for a better future.