On Saturday 5 September 2026, a team from Cogentia, the Cambridge-based health economics and market access consultancy, took part in the 20th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival. The races were held on the River Cam at Fen Ditton, in aid of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and its appeal to build the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
About the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival
The festival brings together businesses from across Cambridge for a day of racing and fundraising. This year, around 48 teams competed over a 200m course at Ditton Meadows, watched by spectators along the riverbank.
Each boat carries up to ten paddlers, with a drummer at the front setting the pace and a helm at the back steering a straight course. Timing and coordination matter as much as strength, which makes it a genuine test of teamwork.
How the day went
The weather was on our side, with clear skies and sunshine throughout the day on the Cam.
The Cogentia crew raced across 3 heats. While we did not finish among the leading crews, our times were consistent from one race to the next, something the team was very pleased with.
“We were not fast, but we were consistent. That is thanks to our drummers and team work – and that is what got us down the course each time.” Said Matias Ricci Perez, Consultant, Strategic Market Access.
Congratulations to Flok Health, who took first place and to every team that raced on the day.
It was fantastic to hear from ACT that they raised their £50,000 target.
Why we took part
Cogentia works on the evidence behind new treatments and how patients gain access to them. Supporting the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital felt like a natural fit.
The new hospital will bring together the NHS, academia and industry in one place. Its aim is to move research from the laboratory to patient care more quickly, with a focus on detecting cancer earlier and personalising treatment. The benefits are expected to reach patients across the UK and beyond.
What the team took from the day
The crew included colleagues from across the business, from analysts to consultants, many of whom had not paddled a dragon boat before. Learning to work in time with one another over a short, intense course was a useful reminder of how we work best as a team.
Supporting Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
If you would like to support the team and the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, you can find out more about the hospital and the impact of fundraising on the ACT website.
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored our amazing team!