The St Richard’s Hospice annual Duck Race in Worcester is just under 2 weeks away and charity organisers are hoping it will be a ‘quacking success’!
The race takes place in the heart of the city on the River Severn and marks the start of the Worcester Festival on Saturday, 10th August.
Supporters can adopt ducks of different sizes from £5 for small, £7 for large and £150 for giant ducks. The giant ducks are plain and can be decorated using environmentally friendly paint by the sponsor – giving a fun way for local firms to highlight their business in the community.
All the ducks proved very popular last year, with a host of local companies taking on the challenge to design and paint their own large waterfowl.
Viewing is from South Quay, Worcester with ducks available to adopt from 11am and the race starting at 2pm. To beat the queues on the day ducks can be ordered online at www.strichards.org.uk/duck-race
The event is sponsored by Puddle Ducks Worcestershire and in association with the Worcester Festival. It is kindly supported by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service who provide safety boat support on the day and will collect all the ducks from the water after the race.
Claire James Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice said: “This is such a fun event for all the family and competitors can get a bird’s eye view of their very own duck racing down the river.”
She added, “There’s always a great atmosphere with hundreds of onlookers and competitors cheering the race. We’re grateful for all the support which raised funds for our ongoing hospice care.”
Last year’s race raised £2,840 for St Richard’s.
Gary and Suzanne Horton from Puddle Ducks Worcestershire said, “We are super thrilled and honoured to be involved and sponsoring the St. Richard’s Hospice Duck Race for another year as it is for such a great cause. All the team here at Puddle Ducks Worcestershire and even Puddle himself love to come along and meet all those taking part and be a part of the wider Worcestershire community.”
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,300 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with 22% funded by the NHS.
The hospice is also raising funds for the Build 2020 Appeal and is part way through developing a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire. The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3m.