WINDERMERE lake will be 'alive with colour and energy' on Sunday as more than 18 teams of dragon boat racers take part in a charity regatta.

Following the success of the inaugural Charity Dragon Boat Regatta in 2014, English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is working with Paddlers for Life UK to host another spectacular fundraiser on the water.

Now in their eighth season, Paddlers for Life is hosting the North West Cancer Survivorship Conference at Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel & Marina on the Saturday, with the dragon boat crews taking to the water the following day, all paddling to the same beat of the drum.

The conference is an opportunity for GPs and health professionals, cancer rehabilitation specialists, cancer survivors and supporters to get together in the heart of the Lake District.

They will discuss the needs of cancer survivors and build a greater understanding of the varied nature of their physical, social and practical support requirements to drive forward improvements in practice. Ben Berry, from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, said: “This an important weekend in our calendar. "The conference itself gives health professionals a chance to share ideas, whilst those taking part in the regatta are helping to raise funds. Both are significant steps towards improving the range of support services for those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“At the same time, we are also encouraging the dragon boat crews to raise sponsorship for a charity of their own choice which have a special meaning to them.”

Paddlers for Life aims to relieve sickness and protect and preserve good health for those facing cancer, in particular but not exclusively breast cancer, or those in need of rehabilitation, by providing or assisting in the provision of physical activity and recreation, notably dragon boating.

Cancer survivor Lynn Shamal from Ulverston says that the dragon boat racing has been vital in her road to recovery: “Ten years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I couldn’t believe my ears as I listened to broadcaster Jenni Murray talking about the benefits of dragon boat racing after treatment. Then a team started up at the Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre and since then Paddlers for Life has grown from strength to strength.

“I am happy to come out of it addicted to racing dragon boats. I love it not only for the paddling but for belonging to a team who have been through what I have been through. We don’t need to talk about the cancer, we can if we want to. We talk and laugh about paddling, about our technique, about our lives. We become one, literally all in the same boat.

“The organisation prides itself on inviting all those affected by cancer to join them. That includes partners, families and friends plus those who have suffered other kinds of cancer.”

For more information about the event and the charity visit http://www.paddlersforlife.co.uk/