A GROUP of breast cancer survivors who set up their own dragon boat team are getting in practice for their first-ever race.

The Worcester Busters dragon boat team was set up by Sue Shackleton from Malvern a few months ago, after an appeal in the Worcester News.

Mrs Shackleton had heard that the sport is great for people recovering from breast cancer as it provides exercise for the back, shoulders and arms and helps keep the area where patients had surgery mobile, supple and strong.

Now, they are preparing to take part in their first event - the Race the Dragon Regatta, on the River Severn at Worcester Worcester on Sunday, June 17.

"We'll be training over the next few weeks to make sure we can put in a good effort on the big day," Mrs Shackleton said. The regatta is being organised by the Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club and will be in aid of local charities.

"Dragon boat racing is a great sport for breast cancer survivors. As well as the exercise we all gain a lot from the camaraderie of training together as a team - our own floating support group."

The Worcester Busters will consist of 16 paddlers and on the day, about half will be breast cancer survivors. The team is still looking for more breast cancer survivors to join them and want to promote a message of hope to other breast cancer patients and show that there is plenty of life to live after treatment for the disease.

They are looking for sponsors and will be raising money for a proposed new breast care unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

To get in touch, call Mrs Shackleton on 07810 507100.