Lancaster sees record turnout for charity duck race

Around 500 people turned up to race yellow plastic ducks at the Canal Turn pub in Carnforth on Easter Sunday.

Duck racers and onlookers thronged the towpath of the Lancaster Canal throughout the fun event in aid of CancerCare.

Members of Lancaster Area Search and Rescue volunteered their services to release the ducks and keep the event safe for all.

David Grayling’s duck came first and he won £50. Darren Tilsley’s duck came second, netting him £30. Third prize went to Harry Gibbs, who won £20.

Bob Mitchell from The Munch Box catering van on the A6 between Bolton-le-Sands and Carnforth said he and his friend Lee Knowles organised the duck race because they wanted to help local people who were facing cancer.

Bob had organised the duck race in previous years for various different charities and this year’s event was the most popular yet.

Helen Hartin, a community fundraiser with CancerCare, said: “We would like to thank Bob Mitchell and his wife Kerris from The Munch Box, Lee Knowles, Diva Bouquets, The Canal Turn, Lancaster Area Search and Rescue, Mike from Mobile Chaos, Brian from R Leisure, Peter from IT Net Carnforth, our CancerCare volunteers and everyone else who came along and helped on the day.

“It was amazing how everyone pulled together – there was a great atmosphere.

“People came from far and wide. It was lovely to see so many families there.

“People said they were happy to be helping to raise funds to support local cancer patients and their families.”

For further information or if you would like to organise a community event please call Helen Hartin at CancerCare on 01524 381820.