Duck Race to Make a Splash For Local Hospice!

A hospice will be making a splash at a brand new fundraising event set to turn the River Dee into a sea of colour.

The first ever Nightingale House Hospice Duck Race and Family Fun Day will be held at the Royal Oak in Bangor on Dee on Sunday September 3rd, 11am to 4pm, and is on the lookout for the ‘quickest quackers’ in town.

The event will take the form of eight duck race heats comprising 250 yellow ducks in each, followed by a grand final of the fastest 25 from each race, with cash prizes to be won.

Raffle tickets to enter a duck into the race will be on sale for £2 throughout the summer from a range of locations including Nightingale House and the Royal Oak.

One highlight promised of the day is set to be the `Giant Duck Race’ at the end of the afternoon featuring a flock of decorated 32cm `mega’ ducks. The giant ducks, which are available in six colours – red, black, pink, blue, green and yellow, are being sold to local companies and organisations for £200 for them to take away and decorate however they choose ahead of the big day.

A duckling race will also be held featuring small ducks purchased and decorated on the day for £1.

The event will be helped along by members of the Bangor on Dee Salmon Angling Association (BODSA) who will be in the water in their waders collecting the ducks from the finishing line under the Bangor on Dee bridge.

Hospice Fundraiser Debbie Barton, said: “We are all excited about our first duck race. It will be a real family occasion with refreshments, stalls and activities at the Royal Oak as well as the races themselves.

“Our giant ducks are proving a hit already with businesses and organisations decorating them as mascots, their favourite celebrity or however else they choose. It’s going to be great fun and we hope it will help to raise lots of money for hospice funds.”

Victoria Lloyd, Area Manager at the Royal Oak said: “The team here at The Royal Oak is really looking forward to the duck race in September.

“We have already had great fun designing our royal-themed duck and working alongside the hospice team to plan a fun-filled day for everyone in aid of such a good cause. As well as selling the ducks, throughout the summer we are also planning events such as barbecues, a garden party and themed dinner evenings to raise additional funds.”

Keith Evans, Chairman of BODSA adds: “Our members are delighted to support Nightingale House in organising its first duck race. We will be positioned around the banks of the Dee and at the finishing line with our nets at the ready to catch all the ducks so we can pick out the winners in order.

“We will also be cheering on our BODSA giant duck and look forward to decorating it as a salmon angler.”

To buy a giant duck, a raffle ticket for a yellow duck or to sponsor a race, contact the Nightingale House Fundraising Office on 01978 314292.