Blue Skies is proud to be supported by Seaside Sparklers, a community-led group that brings people together through fitness, friendship, and fun along the Fylde Coast. What began as a supportive exercise group has grown into a thriving community that promotes confidence, wellbeing and giving back, values that closely align with our own.
Their involvement in the Dragon Boat Festival has become a powerful example of how community spirit and collective effort can make a meaningful difference to local patient care.
Seaside Sparklers’ decision to support Blue Skies through the Dragon Boat Festival comes from a shared desire to give something back to their local NHS. Many of their members have personal connections to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, whether through their own care, that of loved ones, or as members of NHS staff.
Because of these connections, fundraising for Blue Skies is especially meaningful to the group. Every paddle helps support initiatives that enhance patient care at the hospital, making their efforts truly close to home.
Year after year, Seaside Sparklers return to the festival not only for the challenge, but for the opportunity to support an incredible cause. The enthusiasm and positivity they bring on the day is inspiring, and the funds they raise have a lasting impact on patient care.
Since their first year of involvement, Seaside Sparklers’ participation in the Dragon Boat Festival has grown significantly. They began with a single boat made up of members who were excited and understandably nervous to try something new.
As enthusiasm spread, more members wanted to get involved and support Blue Skies. This growth has seen the group expand from one boat to two, and now proudly to four boats, demonstrating just how much the event and the cause mean to their community.
Lisa Oakley, one of the founders of Seaside Sparklers, shared what the event means to the group:
“Taking part in the Dragon Boat Festival is always emotional, empowering, and uplifting. It reminds us how strong we are when we work together, and how much impact a group of ordinary people can have when they come together for an extraordinary cause. Knowing the money we raise helps enhance patient care at our local hospital makes every paddle count, it’s something our whole community is incredibly proud of.”
Blue Skies is incredibly grateful to Seaside Sparklers for their continued support, passion, and commitment. Their involvement in the Dragon Boat Festival highlights the power in our community and the difference it makes to patients and families across Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
