TikTok superstar to host dragon boat race in aid of hospitals
Birmingham TikTok star Luke Vernon is the special guest hosting this year 's Birmingham Women 's and Children 's Hospital Charity Dragon Boat race at the Mailbox this Saturday.
The chatty social media sensation who boasts over 1.9 million followers and recently had a starring role within the Commonwealth Games will be taking the mic while 17 teams of colleagues from businesses across the West Midlands will take to the city centre 's canals as part of the two-day charity event.
It will be the charity 's second dragon boat race, following the success of its inaugural event last year which raised over £100,000 to support Birmingham Women 's and Children 's Hospitals - and the women, babies, children and families in their care. This year 's event is sponsored by Experienced Energy Solutions and Azets.
Taking place alongside Pride weekend events across the city, Birmingham Women 's and Children 's Hospital Charity is proud its dragon boat race will join and be part of the vibrant and inclusive theme.
Each team will take part in a minimum of three races, all 200m each, ahead of the final where the winning team will be awarded the coveted dragon trophy.
Mark Brider (pictured), CEO of Birmingham Women 's and Children 's Hospital Charity, said: “After an incredibly successful inaugural event last year, we 're thrilled to be hosting our second Dragon Boat Race at the Mailbox over the next two days .
"An incredible 44 teams from across a number of our wonderful corporate partners and supporters will be raising their paddles and battling it out to be crowned champion.
"We're excited to see how much has been collectively raised as every penny will make a big difference to our women, babies, children and families as we continue our plans to improve our hospitals - enabling us to treat even more patients from Birmingham, the West Midlands and around the country. ”
Races take place every eight minutes from 0930, with the day 's winner announced at approximately 1700.