Bedford garage gears up for River Festival raft race

This year, the stakes are higher than ever as they aim to reclaim their title for “Best Raft,” a crown they proudly held two years ago.

The event, set to take place on the picturesque River Great Ouse, promises to be a day filled with fun, excitement, and a healthy dose of competition. The raft race is a beloved local tradition, drawing participants from various businesses and organisations, all eager to support a good cause.

The team from UK Truck & Plant Group are not just in it for the glory; they are racing to raise funds for Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends, raising money specifically for their Paediatric Cancer Care Appeal for Riverbank Ward. This will enable critically ill children to be treated in Bedford rather than travelling to London or Cambridge, thereby reducing the risk of infection and keeping them closer to their families.

Determined to reclaim their title, the team has been hard at work designing and constructing their raft. “We’ve put a lot of thought and effort into this year’s design,” said team leader Ashley Weller. “We've been in training for the last two years and realise we may not be as fit as we thought, so we will definately be trying to retain our crown of best raft”

The raft race is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Local businesses, schools, and residents all come together to cheer on the participants and enjoy a day of festivities. There will be food stalls, live music, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect family day out.

As the big day approaches, the UK Truck & Plant Group team is feeling confident and excited. “We’re ready to give it our all,” said Weller. “Winning back the title would be fantastic, but the real victory is raising money for the hospital charity and having fun along the way.”

The charity raft race will take place Sunday, July 21, starting at 10am. Spectators are encouraged to come down to the riverbank to support the teams and enjoy the festivities. Donations to Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends can be made online Donations - UK Truck & Plant Group - Raft Race 🚣‍♂️ (peoplesfundraising.com).

Is your business entering the raft race for charity? Visit our online portal to let us know.