The first-ever Woodlands Hospice duck races get underway on Sunday 8 March at Pier Head, Liverpool. More than 1,000 yellow ducks which people have bought, decorated and named, will race from the Liverpool Canal Basin to the Cunard building.
All ages are encouraged to ‘Go Quackers for Woodlands’ by buying a duck – from as little as £5 – personalising it, giving it a name and cheering it on to the finish line, a short distance away. Workplaces and groups can club together to sponsor a giant orange duck, decorating it in their corporate branding before urging against other colourful competitors.
Woodlands Hospice Events and Challenges Manager Chris Beyga said: “This event promises to be a lively and fun-filled afternoon for all. As well as music from Starlight Disco, there’ll be activities for the kids including face painting, balloon modelling and crafts. And the excitement of the races themselves.
But it’s also a different way for us to raise the £4,000 we need each day to continue the best-practice, free-of-charge care we offer patients and their families, while at the same time offering a great experience for everyone. We’d love to see as many people as possible take part with ducks as wild and wacky as they can make them.”
The charity's event begins at midday with viewing of the corporate ducks before these colossal quackers start their bids for the Woodlands Hospice Duck Race trophy at around 1pm.
Near 2pm, the crowd of around 1,000 little yellow ducks begin making their own ways to the Cunard building during their individual attempts to be first at the finish line.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service will be on hand to make sure all ducks get off to a flying start, as well as scooping them out at the end.
For full details and to sign up visit: bit.ly/2RDuqZU. Follow @WoodlandsHospice on Facebook for event updates.