SOUTHPORT-BASED Claims Management company, Plantec Holdings, is determined to step up a level in the Dragon Boat Race this weekend as the company has vowed to support the Liverpool-based charity – Zöe’s Place Baby Hospice.

This will be the third time that the Plantec Pirates – as they will be known on Sunday 22 June – have entered into the race, taking on other local companies with the hope of being crowned Dragon Boat champions!

Last year’s event saw the Pirates pipped at the post in the semi-finals of the race by the Southport Round Table, who later went on to win the event. However, getting so close to standing at the number one spot on the Dragon Boat podium has made the team all the more determined to row in as winners this year, particularly as they have such a deserving local charity to row for.

Zöe’s Place Baby Hospice is the only baby hospice in the UK. The hospice provides 24-hour one-on-one respite and palliative nursing care for infants with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, aged between 0 – 5 years old. With 45 babies currently on their books in Liverpool, the hospice does not receive any government or NHS funding.

Managing Director of Plantec Holdings, Lee Evans, said: “Last year, the Pirates put their all into winning the event but were narrowly overtaken by the Southport Round Table.

“Choosing such a worthy charity this year has made the crew all the more determined to beat the other teams to the finishing line, so should make good viewing for the spectators on Sunday!