IKEA Peterborough gets set to make a splash for Sue Ryder
Colleagues from IKEA Customer Distribution Centre in Peterborough will once again take to the water at the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival this July and they’re encouraging other local teams to grab a paddle too.
This will be the seventh-year IKEA colleagues have jumped aboard a 30-foot dragon boat for the event in support of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough, the festival’s long-term charity partner.
In previous years, teams from the centre have competed under creative IKEA themed-names including like ‘The Flatpackers’ who took fourth place in 2022 while ‘The Swedish Meatballs’ took third in the same event. For 2026, colleagues will be known as: The Fast and The Furnished, The Meatball Express and the Allen Key Avengers.
The local IKEA team has had a long connection to Sue Ryder with many colleagues having experienced first-hand the expert and compassionate care the charity provides.
Hannah Buckley, People & Culture Business Partner at IKEA Distribution Services Ltd said: "Many of us know someone who has been supported by Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice whether through care in the hospice itself or through the incredible team providing support in people’s homes. It’s a charity that holds a very special place in our hearts, having touched the lives of our colleagues, friends, and families during some of the most challenging times."
Hannah adds: “The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the highlights of our engagement calendar and an event our colleagues eagerly look forward to each year."
"We'd encourage other companies to get involved, join the excitement, and show their support for this incredible charity. It’s an extraordinary event filled with laughter, team spirit, determination, and, for some, perhaps an unexpected dip in the lake!"
The 2026 Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival organised by New Wave Events takes place on Saturday, 20 June at Peterborough Rowing Club, Thorpe Meadows, PE3 6LN.
Asif Shaheed, Regional Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: "We look forward to welcoming IKEA Peterborough, and all of the crews, to this year’s festival as they get set to compete along the exciting 200-metre course. It’s not too late to register a team for the event, so grab a paddle and help Sue Ryder continue providing expert palliative and end-of-life care, as well as bereavement support, to people when they need it most.”
For an entry form, call festival organisers NewWave Events on 01536 674 748 or visit dragonboatevents.co.uk/peterborough-dragon-boat-festival/ to enter online by this Friday 5 June.
For information about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/thorpehall