THE organisers of the 49th annual Monmouth Raft Race are looking for a bumper entry this year in a bid to raise thousands for St David’s Hospice Care.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Monmouth, this year’s event on Sunday, September 7 has attracted corporate sponsorship from Mandarin Stone, Basepoint and DHL mail service, and is on target to be bigger and better than ever.

Norman Williams of Monmouth Rotary Club said: “Already, 40 crews have entered, including 11 alone from DHL, who are encouraging their depots from around the country to enter.

“We had 72 rafts at last year’s event and more than £25,000 was raised for charity. This year it is hoped that we will be able to break the magic 100 rafts and to raise even more money for charity.”

The event sees crews, of between four and 10 people building their own rafts.

Mr Williams added: “Although it’s called a raft race, most crews treat it as a fun afternoon on the river with their friends.

“Many entrants persuade their employers or local pub to enter a raft on their behalf. It’s a great publicity opportunity and building a raft is a good team building exercise.”

Kris Broome, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “There is nothing else quite like the Monmouth Raft Race for its fun, spectacle, inventiveness and the creativity of the entrants and their crafts.

“The event is a major fund raiser for St David’s Hospice Care and we’re extremely grateful to sponsors, entrants and to Monmouth Rotary Club, for all that they do to ensure it is a success year after year.”

The raft race starts from the steps of Monmouth Rowing Club and finishes 6.5 miles downriver at Tump Farm in Whitebrook, where there is a family festival with food, live music, children’s fairground and a bar.

Entry costs £75 per raft including a commitment to raise a minimum of £100 per raft in sponsorship.

Online entries can be submitted by visiting monmouthraftrace.com or download an entry form from the same web page and post the entry to the address given.

Alternatively, call raft race secretary, Rotarian David Forbes on 01600 712665 or Kris Broome at St David’s Hospice Care on 01633 851051.