Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Upbeat on and off the water
A Marlborough breast cancer survivor who keeps the beat on a dragon boat says the team have helped change her life.
Mary Adams is part of the Simply the Breast dragon boat crew who are preparing for the nationals next year.
‘‘I look at them as part of my extended family, the respect we have for each other is absolutely awesome.’’
Adams joined the team last year, after being diagnosed with breast cancer a year earlier.
As the team’s drummer, Adams must keep the team paddling in unison and keep in rhythm with the sweep, or steering oar.
‘‘I decided I would give it a go, and I’m loving it, watching them as they paddle, it gives me a lot of satisfaction.’’
If she sees any paddlers out of synchronisation, she doesn’t single anyone out, but lets the whole team know and encourages them.
‘‘I get a wee bit carried away when I see the ladies paddling with all their heart and soul, because of how much hard work they’re putting in.’’
Adams said she was a ‘‘wee bit sceptical’’ about taking part, but from the moment she turned up she was greeted warmly.
‘‘Ever since then I look forward to going out and being part of the team.
‘‘They are just a beautiful bunch of people. You can go along and I might be a bit down, and not having a very good day, but out on the water with them they just make you feel great.’’
Simply the Breast started with just six people as a way to offer friendship, fitness and support to women diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2008.
A donated boat, paddles and the will to help others saw the team come together. It has since helped hundreds of women across the region with advice, support and fitness.
Simply the Breast chair Denise Neal said they had four regattas before nationals at the end of March.
A full crew was 22 women, and they were actively recruiting.
For those who are interested contact Denise on 021 131 2213.