• First time a team of oncologists from NCCS is rowing against cancer survivors and patients in an exhibition dragon boat race
  • One-of-a-kind charity event hopes to raise funds in aid of cancer care and support programmes for patients and cancer survivors
  • Oxford University Vice-chancellor Professor Louise Richardson graces event as special guest
  • First-ever International Race will feature teams from Oxbridge Hong Kong competing against Oxbridge Singapore to raise funds for cancer care

Singapore, 26 March 2017 – The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) brings back the second edition of the “Row For Hope Boat Races” in collaboration with The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore (Oxbridge Singapore) to raise funds for cancer care.

Last year’s inaugural event collected more than $68,000 to support patients in need. This year, the event has already raised more than $70,000 and hopes to raise even more to benefit cancer care and survivorship of those affected by cancer so that less will suffer from this devastating illness.

Oxbridge Singapore has also set up a Boat Club as a permanent platform to cement its commitment to the yearly Row For Hope charity event, going forward.

Row For Hope 2017 is also part of the programme for the University of Oxford's first Alumni Weekend in Singapore, and Oxford's Vice-chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson, is slated to grace the event as a special guest.

In a first for the event this year, a team of oncologists, nurses and healthcare professionals from NCCS (“Team NCCS”) will form a dragon boat team of 22-pax to row in an exhibition race with the Pink Spartans, a dragon-boating support group consisting of cancer survivors, patients and their families (refer to Appendix A for event programme) in a display of strength and resilience.

“Every day, we witness our brave patients fighting their cancer. We want them to know that they are not alone. Just as we give all our energy today rowing alongside the Pink Spartans, we are with our patients in body and spirit to overcome their cancers,” said Dr Khoo Tan, leader for the Team NCCS dragon boaters and Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist at NCCS.

The funds raised for this event will benefit the Community Cancer Fund, which provides a buffer for cancer sufferers and their families when they run out of funds for their cancer treatments.

“The Community Cancer Fund is a very useful way for us to achieve our mission to give the best possible care for our patients in their fight against cancer,” said Dr Khoo Tan.

The Row For Hope Boat Races brings the excitement of the 186 year tradition of the University of Oxford vs the University of Cambridge Annual Boat Races (called the Cancer Research UK Boat Races) held on the River Thames in the UK, to our doorstep on the waters of Marina Bay.

Dato Paul Supramaniam, President of The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore said, “We are pleased to be making a sustained difference by creating the wherewithal and the funding for NCCS to run this programme. Our Alumni have shown they have a heart and we want this to succeed. We would ask each of you out there with the ability to make a difference in whatever way big or small, please to contribute generously to this event, which now is Row For Hope, is Row For Hope, and if I may permitted to say so, with an added tagline, ‘and with a heart’.” 

Oxbridge Singapore has donated $10,000 to Row For Hope for the second year running to support NCCS’ campaign in the fight against cancer, and all rowers and members are reaching out to the community to help with the donation drive.

Associate Professor Toh Han Chong, Deputy Director and Senior Consultant, NCCS who is rowing in the fund-raising event said, “One in three people will get cancer in their lifetime. Over time, treatment costs can potentially take a toll on patients and their families. We will give our best on the water and hope for your support to raise funds for cancer patients with financial needs.”

Row For Hope is Singapore’s answer to the annual UK Boat Races. With a history dating back to 1829, the UK Boat Races is a set of annual rowing races between the Oxford University and the Cambridge University Boat Clubs, watched by more than 250,000 people each year and also telecast live around the world. The UK Boat Races also focus on raising money for the Cancer Research UK.

The Row For Hope event will also feature an International Race for the first time this year, where members from Oxbridge Hong Kong will row against Oxbridge Singapore in their boats known as “eights”.

Besides the main race event, visitors and supporters can also hop onto Singapore’s First Cancer Education Bus, an initiative supported by the Ain Society, which organises educational programmes for the Malay-Muslim community. There are also interactive cancer awareness booths with prizes and refreshment for the whole family. Admission is free (refer to Appendix A for event details).

The organisers would like to thank NCCS’ strategic partner Tessa Therapeutics, and our generous donors and sponsors for supporting the fight against cancer.

If you would like to make a gift or sponsor any part of the event, please visit www.giving.sg/community-cancer-fund/rowforhope2017, or contact Angie Liu on telephone 63763644 or email angie.liu.a.q@nccs.com.sg to learn more.

About the National Cancer Centre Singapore

National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) provides a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to cancer treatment and patient care. We treat almost 70 per cent of the public sector oncology cases, and they are benefiting from the sub-specialisation of our clinical oncologists. NCCS is also accredited by the US-based Joint Commission International for its quality patient care and safety. To deliver among the best in cancer treatment and care, our clinicians work closely with our scientists who conduct robust cutting-edge clinical and translational research programmes which have been internationally recognised. NCCS strives to be a global leading cancer centre, and shares its expertise and knowledge by offering training to local and overseas medical professionals. www.nccs.com.sg

About The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Singapore promotes social contact among Oxbridge alumni residing in Singapore by organising and promoting social gatherings and events whereby members may co-operate in professional, intellectual or cultural activities. 2017 marks the 56th anniversary of the Society’s formation in Singapore.