Law Firm Raise Funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital

Charity Fundraiser Is Plain Sailing For Wolverhampton Rowers

Staff from the Birmingham office of law firm Irwin Mitchell took to the water at the weekend, competing in the 11th annual Dragonboat Festival to raise funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Amongst the thirteen-strong crew were Suki Chokkar, Amandeep Dhillon and Sonehal Kooner, who are all from Wolverhampton.

Suki Chhokar, a partner with Irwin Mitchell, explained: "The firm is always keen to support charitable activities and we had no shortage of volunteers who were eager to take part.  I am proud to say that our team, aptly named 'IM Sailing', raised £2,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital. "The race itself was very competitive and took place on the hottest day of the year so although it was extremely tiring, the Dragonboat Festival was also great fun."

Suki added: "This is the second year that Irwin Mitchell has entered a crew and the team enjoyed the event so much that we already have a list of people wanting to take part next year, so there will not be a need to press gang any colleagues!"

Nineteen teams raced the traditional Dragonboats along the Fazeley Canal in the centre of Birmingham.  The course for the forty-foot-long boats began at the Pitcher and Piano in Brindleyplace with the winning post at the National Indoor Arena (NIA) and involved a series of heats. Each team had thirteen members - twelve to paddle and one to beat the drum to direct the pace. It is hoped that in total the event will raise £30,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital.