Bus drivers get ready to r-oar into action steering a dragon boat in annual river race

A group of bus drivers and managers with First Bus York are getting ready to try their hand at steering a different form of transport – a boat.

They are part of team from the operator taking part in the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on Sunday 13 July.

The drivers will be joined by General Manager, Joel Bradley and management colleagues to make up the 16 rowers needed with the team name First Rider Vikings.

It is captained by driver Tony Richmond, who said: “I’m not sure how many of us are any good at rowing, although this style is a bit different. There’s been no team training, we’re just straight into it.”

As well as raising funds for the York Rotary Club Dragon Boat Challenge nominated charities,  the drivers are also supporting CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young, which is helping to prevent sudden cardiac deaths among young people through awareness, screening and research.

The charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Steven Cox said: “Well done and huge thanks to all the First Bus York team taking part in the city’s annual Dragon Boat Challenge!  We’re delighted that the team has chosen to raise funds for CRY, supporting our ongoing mission to prevent the incidence of sudden cardiac death in young people.

“Every week, 12 people aged 35 and under in the UK die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80 per cent of these cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms of a heart defect until it is too late, which is why CRY believes cardiac screening is so vitally important, particularly for those involved in regular, physical activity.” 

 “On behalf of everyone at CRY – thank you again for your support and we hope you have an ‘oar-some’ time on the day!”

Picture caption: Limbering up: Members of the First Rider York Vikings crew get familiar with the riverside near Lendal Bridge.

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