The colourful annual Cowes Pram Race in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support headed off in sunny late summer conditions from The Painter’s Arms at noon on Sunday (28th August).
Entries included (among others) the Flintstones, a selection of sharks (From Under the Sea), a bunch of butchers, an array of nags from the Grand National; musical accompaniment was provided by the Medina Marching Band; a samba band also added some gaiety and colour to the occasion.
The pram race is held in memory of Dorrie Simmons, a local lady who died of cancer. In 1979, the regulars of the now defunct Britannia public house wanted to raise money for the Macmillan nurses on the Island, who had given the family great support during trying times. Originally, it was a race from ‘The Brit’, out of town via the Royal Standard, on to Northwood, calling at The Travellers Joy and finishing in Porchfield at the Sportsman’s Rest. Previous entries have included: deckchairs on wheels, dustbins, and oil drums.
Over recent years, the race has become more of a pram push with a carnival atmosphere, and the course has been shortened. To date, the event has raised over £200,000 for charity. The greatest amount raised was in 1984 when £14,000 was raised by sponsorship and £2,500 collected on the day.
Probably, the event’s most prolific fundraiser was Mez Blackwell, sadly who died of cancer 14 years ago and received tremendous support from the Macmillan nurses.
