Worcestershire residents are being encouraged to enjoy a spot of messing about on the water this summer.
As part of this, St Richard’s Hospice has announced details of its annual duck race which will take place on Saturday 11 August.
The event, which is in association with Worcester Festival and sponsored by main sponsor Puddle Ducks, will start at 2pm from Worcester Bridge, South Quay and end in a beak-biting finale at the Cathedral.
Those taking part can adopt their very own waterfowl either on the day at 11am on the quay side – and then cheer it on as it races against other ducks down the river to the finish line – or online by visiting www.strichards.org.uk/duck-race.
Small ducks can be adopted for £5, large ducks cost £7 and five fancy dress ducks be available at £25. Prizes will be awarded for the first ducks in the three categories over the line. All proceeds go to St Richard’s Hospice to help fund the charity’s care of patients with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families.
There are also a number of giant ducks which have been sponsored by a host of local organisations including Keystones Cocktail Club, Kitchen World in St Johns, Browns Restaurant, Waldrons Solicitors, The Diglis House Hotel, Sienna X, Give as You Live and Hickory Smoke House. Each 32cm duck is available for corporate sponsorship at £150; please call Jayne Sargeant on 01905 763963. A special trophy will be awarded to the winning giant duck.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service will provide safety boat support on the day along with first aid support from Medi Events.
Jayne Sargeant, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice said: “This event is a fun and fabulous one where competitors get a bird’s eye view of their very own duck racing down the river!”
“The event enjoys a real carnival atmosphere and last year we welcomed hundreds of competitors and onlookers.
“We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to sponsor online in order to avoid the crowds on the day.”
Last year the event raised an impressive £1900 for the hospice with the ducks in close beak-to-beak races.
Suzanne Horton, co-owner of Puddle Ducks Worcestershire, alongside husband Gary, said: “We are super-proud that Puddle Ducks will be supporting St. Richard’s Hospice again this year, and are really looking forward to a fantastic, fun-filled family day in aid of such a fabulous cause. Good Luck to all the competitors, we hope everyone has a quacking time!”
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Jabba Riaz, will be there on the day to offer his support.