Bramhall Duck Race going quackers to raise funds for Francis House

The Duck Race and Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday May 18 in aid of Francis House Children’s Hospice and other good causes. Families flocking to Bramhall Park will experience a raft of watery races starting at 11am and continuing throughout the day until 4pm.

As one of the biggest non-commercial events in the Stockport area the event last year attracted more than 11,000 people. There will be 12 duck races throughout the day comprising 5 races of one thousand ducks in each race plus 7 Giant Duck races of elaborately decorated ducks sponsored by local businesses.

Lesley Buckley President of Bramhall & Woodford Rotary said: “Our annual Duck Race and Family Fun Day is one of the biggest family festivals on the Bramhall calendar where volunteers from all over the borough come out to help. It is humbling and heartwarming to see community come together and having Francis House as our main supported charity will resonate with many. I had the pleasure of visiting the Hospice on the open day, to say I was impressed would not justify it, what a wonderful place full of hope and caring staff.”

Entertainment is being provided in three areas with steel bands, singers and dance groups showcasing their talents to the public along. Adding to the family-friendly atmosphere are fairground rides, bouncy castles, approximately 60 craft stalls, ice cream vans and dozens of food vendors.

Sponsors of the Duck Race and Family Fun Day are Leighton Snow Estate Agents and Vernon Building Society. Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and Strawberry Radio are also supporting the event.

A large proportion of the money raised through ticket sales from the duck races, stall fees and commission from food vendors will go to local charity Francis House Children’s Hospice.  The hospice supports the families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions by providing respite care for the whole family as well as a range of other services including homecare, emotional and bereavement support.

Kate Puc, fundraising officer of Francis House said: “We are thrilled to be the chosen charity to benefit from the Duck Race this year. The team at Bramhall & Woodford Rotary Club work incredibly hard to bring this event to the Park each year, all on a voluntary basis. It takes a huge amount of organisation for what is a spectacular event that young and old can enjoy for free. We hope lots of people will buy tickets for the duck races and we will be there on the day to soak up the atmosphere.”

Visitors are encouraged to use the Duck Bus Park & Ride which will be running throughout the day between Woodford Garden Village (via Bramhall) and the Park, Hazel Grove High School and from Church Road, Cheadle Hulme with parking available at the two schools.

Bramall Hall is currently undergoing renovation works and the organisers are working with Stockport Council and Bramall Hall to ensure public safety and minimal disruption.

Entry to the event is free and tickets can be purchased for £1.00 for a corresponding duck either on the day or online. Prizes for the winners include a top prize of £100. For more information visit www.bwrotary.org.