Lagan Dragons have some amazing stories to tell about how the team and friendships they have forged bring a real difference to their lives – see below and keep checking back for more.
Dragons Behind the Mask 
The 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic has affected everyone in so many ways, and for some, it’s been an opportunity to brush up on some underused skills and hobbies.
Two of our amazingly talented members have been kept busy sewing and selling face coverings to support the club funds.
They have been at their sewing machines night and day and have produced hundreds of masks that have been sold to club members, friends and family.
So, what’s their story?
What’s your name and how long have you been a Dragon for?
I’m Lesley Jennings, and I have been a Dragon since February 2017.
How did you hear about Lagan Dragons?
My surgeon Dr Gwyneth Hinds convinced me to give it a try when I had finished all of my treatment!
Best bit about being a Dragon?
Paddling with strong and inspiring women. It really is a strong support group that is second to none.
What is your Hidden Super Power?
I’m good at fixing things. (Does that count as a super power?!)
If you could be any animal what would you be, and why?
I would have to be my cat Ferris because he is spoilt rotten!
Who is your ideal dinner companion?
Well it would have to be someone who could entertain me. A good listener, funny. Perhaps Louis Theroux?
If you could live in any city in the world where would it be?
That’s a tough one.
London or Sydney. But having said that, I’ve lived in both and I’m currently loving being back in Belfast.
Favourite movie?
Has to be ‘Singing in The Rain’
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’m not sure that I have one!
Describe yourself in just one word
No one word sums me up, possibly ‘nice’. (Niceness is so underrated!)
Lesley Jennings
Next up…
What’s your name and how long have you been a Dragon for?
I am Ruth McCartney and I have only been a Dragon for one year after picking up a flyer in MacMillan Cancer Centre when I was waiting to go to a yoga class after I’d finished treatment.
What do you love most about being a Dragon?
The Dragons are an inspiration, they push themselves beyond their comfort zone, they work as a team and they look after each other.
What is your Hidden Super Power?
I’m an empath. I’m highly sensitive to the feelings of others
If you could be any animal what would you be, and why?
I’d be a goat. Not the prettiest of animals- but confident, surefooted and stable. No matter how rocky the terrain the goat navigates tough conditions and reaches new destinations.
Who would you most like to have as a dinner companion?
I think I could manage to have a good chat with Jason Statham. He would ‘Never Break the Rules’. I’m not a city person at all. I’d be very happy spending time in the wilds of Donegal with my bicycle.
Do you have a favourite movie?
Has to be Forest Gump
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love to lose myself in my garden for hours on end- just digging, planting or even weeding.
Describe yourself in just one word
Hyperactive!
Ruth McCartney, Team Manager
Let’s meet…
What’s your name and when did you join Dragon Lagans?
I am Paula Todd and I have been paddling at the club since July 2015.
Who told you about Lagan Dragons?
A lady from Action Cancer mentioned it to me and I wanted to find out more.
What’s the best bit about the Dragons?
I have two best bits. Paddling which I love, and equally the camaraderie, support and friendship from my fellow Dragons.
Do you have a secret superpower?
I sooo would like my superpower to be the ability to fall asleep at the drop of a hat.
Which animal would you like to be and why?
I’d love to be a swallow or a starling so that I could fly in the majestic murumations that we see above the bridges when paddling on an autumn evening.
Who would you most like to enjoy an afternoon’s conversation with?
My Dad, he died when I was 12 years old and I would love to have a ‘grown-up’ conversation with him now
Where in the world would like to live?
In a drier Belfast!
Favourite movie?
I prefer Box Sets so I’m going to choose a 7 series of The West Wing
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Listening to Wham 
Which one word sums you up?
Organised
Paula Todd
Dragon Stories
