She took up the sport after she was diagnosed with cancer as it was a great way to maintain an active and healthy social life during her ordeal, and she started the Pinnacle Dragons Abreast club with other breast cancer survivors. 

“Dragon boating picks you up when all the surgery and medical assistance ends,” Mrs Butcher said. 

“Your confidence is shattered and self-esteem is pretty low.”

“Out on the lake you have fun and you’re with people who know what it’s all about.”

During October Dragons Abreast groups throughout Australia will be hosting events to raise awareness of dragon boat racing for breast cancer survivors. 

Mrs Butcher said their club aimed to take it further and demonstrate its benefit to the wider community. 

“Our club welcomes not just breast cancer survivors but men and children. Anyone can give it a try,” she said. 

The Pinnacle club will host a Splash and Dash for Cancer at Lake Canobolas on Saturday, October 3 from 9.30am. 

An entry fee of $15 per person will help to raise money for the Dragons Abreast regatta that the club is attending in Sydney on October 24. 

For a gold coin donation, you can try the sport.

“Our aim is to raise $2200, and we still have a long way to go,” Mrs Butcher said. 

“We want to raise funds and also raise awareness that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Team entries are required by Monday, September 28. 

For more information, call 0400 640 342 or send an email to pinnacledragons@gmail.com. 

ashlea.pritchard@fairfaxmedia.com.au