Masterton cancer survivor on world stage

Cancer survivor Lindy Daniell has paddled into history alongside a fellow Kiwi as a member of the international Pink Sisters' Dragon Boat crew.

Mrs Daniell, Masterton Mayoress and Cancer Society Wairarapa member, and Elaine Gorton, of Pink Dragons' Auckland, were the only New Zealanders on the team that has just taken part in regattas in Turkey and Israel.

The fifth Instanbul International Dragon Boat Festival was held on the Golden Horn and the first International Israeli Dragonboat Festival was held on the Sea of Galillee, Mrs Daniell said.

Mrs Daniell, who is yet to return home to Masterton, said the team travels to regattas around the world to promote dragon boating, which has been medically proven to reduce and eliminate lymphodema after cancer treatment.

Other paddlers came from South Africa, USA and Canada, she said.

"The Turkish regatta was huge with 120 teams representing the big corporates.

"Within this mostly Muslim country, it was unheard of to have an all-women's crew and the team captain had to insist that we did not want their male steerage person to control the boat.

"Maria, from Canada, became the very first woman to steer a dragon boat in Istanbul.

"On day two of the regatta, the team was treated with huge respect and everyone wanted photos with the team.

"As a result, the organisers have decided to add a women's-only division which will ultimately pave the way for breast cancer survivors to participate with more confidence in the future."

The impact of having six breast cancer teams travelling all the way to Israel "was very much appreciated by the one Israeli team just starting out", Mrs Daniell said. "It was especially emotional when the Israeli women waded waist deep into the water to surround our boats and to encircle us with their warmth.

"It was a privilege to be part of this mission and to learn of how women around the world are treated when diagnosed with breast cancer, both medically and socially.

"We are very fortunate to live where we do. Our goal was achieved, to raise awareness and to make a difference."