The team from Warrendale Dental Care in Ross-on-Wye were among those who took part in the 51st Monmouth Raft Race earlier this month.

Dressed in blue wigs and wearing blue lipstick, the Warrendale Dental Care team were promoting Mouth Cancer Action Month, whilst raising money for St David’s Hospice Care, based in Newport.

Their team of eight managed to remain afloat and paddle the six miles to Whitebrook in a respectable two hours, finishing slightly cold and wet but with something to smile about.

Warrendale would like to thank their patients for sponsoring them and also Clive, the engineering brain behind the raft.

Mouth Cancer Action Month this year is in November and aims to raise public awareness about mouth cancer. Sadly, more than 1,800 people in the UK lose their life to mouth cancer every year. Many of these deaths could be prevented if the cancer was caught early enough.

Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good.  Many people with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor too late. It is important to visit your dentist regularly even if you wear dentures. This is especially important if you smoke and drink alcohol. For more information contact mouthcancer.org or ask your dentist.