Young cancer patients from MHH triumph at charity regatta in Halle.
They quickly became a close-knit team: the four young rowers from Hannover. Copyright: Niklas-Maximilian Epping/ HRC von 1880 e.V.
Top performance despite cancer: the team of little MHH patients celebrates winning first place in the rowing regatta. Copyright: Niklas-Maximilian Epping/ HRC von 1880 e.V.
On 1 September 2024, a boat full of children from the paediatric oncology department once again took part in the charity regatta "Rowing against Cancer", which took place in Halle (Saale) this year. It was a weekend full of emotions and impressive sporting achievements. The team, consisting of four young rowers aged between nine and 18, including a child with a transtibial amputation, showed that they are capable of top performances despite the challenges they have faced as a result of their cancer.
Participation just one year after cancer diagnosis
Thanks to the athletic support of Mirko Buzdon (Sports Medicine, MHH), Vincent Mietzke (Psychosocial Service, MHH) and the commitment of rowing trainer Niklas-Maximilian Epping (HRC von 1880 e.V.), who was also allowed to act as coxswain in the races, the children managed to surpass themselves and win the final in a photo finish.
The four children, who did not know each other before the regatta and the three preparatory training sessions on the Maschsee, quickly grew into a strong team. They impressively demonstrated this by initially coming out on top in the preliminary round and then securing 1st place in a thrilling 300-metre final race against three other opponents among the seven teams in the ActiveOncoKids network. It was particularly remarkable that one of the participants was able to take part in a competition just one year and one day after her diagnosis – a sign of the incredible resilience and will to live of these children.
Great support from families
The family members were also present throughout the weekend, feverishly cheering on and supporting their children to the best of their ability. Their role should not be underestimated: after exhausting chemotherapy, surgery and stem cell transplants, it is a moving moment to see one's children and siblings rejoin as fully integrated and resilient members of our society. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the parents and relatives for this – your support and commitment make all the difference.
In addition to the sporting activities, there were also numerous shared experiences that brought the team closer together this weekend. After arriving on Friday and celebrating a happy birthday, Saturday began with a visit to the zoo, bowling and a pasta party in the centre of Halle. Sunday was all about the race on the Saale, in which the young athletes delivered their remarkable performance.
Hannover as the future venue for the charity regatta?
We are proud to announce that talks are currently underway to hold the "Rowing against Cancer" charity regatta in Hannover on 28 June 2025. Volunteers interested in helping to organise this major event can sign up for the newsletter (https ://seu2.cleverreach.com/f/375334-376264/) and fill in a questionnaire () indicating their interest and preferred areas of involvement. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of an initiative that combines sporting ambition and social responsibility.
We would like to thank all the supporters who made this special weekend possible, especially the Association for Children with Cancer in Hannover e.V. and the HRC von 1880 e.V. We are looking forward to the upcoming event in Hannover!
Text: Niklas-Maximilian Epping, Mirko Buzdon