It was good weather for ducks on September 7 when the annual Harry’s Duck Race at Pontblyddyn Cricket Club took place—in glorious Welsh rain.
The event, organised by Julia Jones and family in tribute to her late son Harry, who died suddenly in his sleep aged just four, raises vital funds for Hope House Ty Gobaith Hospices. With the River Alyn in good flow due to the heavy rain, and the crowd in high spirits thanks to songs from Wrexham’s Choirs For Good, a staggering £5,739 was raised for the charity.
Cllr Jeremy Kent, the Deputy Mayor of Wrexham, and his Consort, Connor Christian, attended to kickstart the fundraising event.
“This really is something different and a great event to end the weekend raising money for this fantastic cause,” said Cllr Kent. “It certainly is nice weather for ducks, and it’s always good to get out and support the community.”
Alongside the duck races in the river, there was the popular fancy dress competition for larger ducks. Tom Cope from CCP Building Products won the Overall Winner title with his ingenious Toilet Duck build. Entrants once again showcased great creativity, with the overall winner for Best Dressed Duck going to Billy and Harry Coggins from Wrexham for their parody of the popular Welsh rap group Goldie Lookin Chain, cleverly named Goldie Duckin Chain.
Other awards included Best Effort, which went to Haswells Solicitors, and the Craziest Duck award, won by Eleri Derbyshire for her Pink Pony Club creation.
Organiser Julia Jones said: “It was a brilliant day despite the weather, but we’d never let anything stop us. We’re thrilled with the huge amount raised for Hope House Ty Gobaith and thank every family and business who participated and came on the day.
“We also want to thank all our sponsors and kind donors who helped us with things like food for the barbecue, the Deputy Mayor for attending, Choirs For Good who added a wonderful atmosphere, and of course all our helpers and the supportive community for coming out. A special thanks to people who travelled all the way from Banbury, Warrington, Ellesmere Port and Manchester.
“And of course, our helpers in the water: Rosie Hibberd, Lisa Beveridge, Jeff Jones (Harry’s Dad), Zac Fahey, Jacob Hibberd and Holly Williams.”
After Harry’s death, the Jones family accessed the bespoke Snowflake Suite at Hope House. The Snowflake Suite is a dedicated bedroom, lounge, and private garden where families can say goodbye to their children in their own time and in their own way. The family also accessed bereavement counselling through the hospice.
Wrexham area fundraiser for Hope House, Bethan Young, said: “Julia and her family are amazing. This event is so meaningful but also a fun way to remember Harry and raise funds for the vital care we provide to local children and families living with a life-threatening condition.
“To raise close to £6,000 is incredible and shows real community spirit. We’re so grateful and look forward to another successful event next year.”
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https://wrexham.com/news/rain-fails-to-dampen-spirits-at-harrys-duck-race-as-nearly-6000-raised-for-hope-house-277796.html