CANCER survivors from across the Bournemouth and Christchurch area are being encouraged to join an exclusive club to make new friends and help boost wellbeing post-treatment.

Bourne Water Dragons, based at the River Stour at Iford, Bournemouth, is the UK’s first “all cancer” dragon boat club that welcomes cancer survivors of all ages and abilities to join their crew as they row along the beautiful River Stour.

Bourne Water Dragons isn’t your normal rowing club – it’s a dragon boat club, which consists of a drummer, a steersperson and 20 paddlers who work together in unison to move the boat forward quickly and smoothly, with the sport’s origins in ancient China.

The club paddles on a Thursday evening and Sunday morning Picture: Bourne Water Dragons

A spokesperson for the club said: “We offer genuine support, friendship, and camaraderie with the unique opportunity, to learn new water skills, exercise your body, spirit and mind whilst paddling on the beautiful River Stour down towards stunning Christchurch Quay or maybe onto Hengistbury Head.

“We paddle on a Thursday evening and Sunday morning; we always guarantee; a warm welcome and support.

“This is an amazing opportunity to get involved in this fantastic team, have fun, make new friends and improve on your fitness and wellbeing.

“We are always looking for new crew members to join us. Together we strive and thrive.”

Prostate cancer survivor Ian Stephenson said his world became bigger once he joined the club.

He said: “Recovery from my cancer and subsequent operation went relatively smoothly but I felt the need for a moderate challenge of a new sport and a new circle of friends.

“I had always been physically active, but my sports and activities had tended to be non-team based.

“When a friend who had been a Macmillan nurse told me of a new cancer survivor Dragon Boat club, I was more than happy to check out the advantages and pleasures of a new sport.

“It soon became apparent that my world was now bigger, healthier and very friendly and the words timing, technique and teamwork had fresh meaning.”

For more information about the club and to read more stories like Ian’s, visit their website https://www.bournewaterdragons.uk/