On 3 April at Salford Quays, hundreds of people gathered to watch the annual Salford Duck Race, which raises money for children’s healthcare.
The event is organised by MedEquip4Kids, a Manchester-based charity which improves the health of babies and children all over the UK by providing hospitals with equipment that the NHS cannot afford to provide.
This year was the 11th race and the biggest yet, with the most mini ducks ever sponsored by the public. This raised over £7,500 to help young people in hospitals, SEN schools and CAMHS.
The event featured two races, a corporate race with twelve large ducks from local businesses, and the main race where the public sponsored mini ducks for £2.50 a duck. The event also featured food stalls and entertainment from local businesses.
Christine Cornock, Trust and Corporate Fundraiser of MedEquip4Kids said: “It’s a really amazing community event in Salford, we get local businesses involved, local schools and local people as well and it’s raising money for a really good cause.
“The turnout was brilliant. I think we almost sold out of mini ducks which has never happened before.
“It was some apocalyptic rain just before the start which I think made some ducks a bit bedraggled and toppled them over so that was a bit chaotic, but all in all it went really well.”
The event was open from 12:30, with a fair ride, donut truck and an ice cream van all operating despite the heavy rain. The races started at 3pm. The corporate duck race was first, followed by the main race for the general public.
The second race featured prizes donated by local businesses up for grabs, including vouchers for Team Sport Go Karting, Laser Quest Trafford Centre, Sainsburys, The Entertainer and Oxygen Active Play.
Unite The Union won the corporate duck race, and the prize for Best Dressed Duck was won by Quartzalec Limited for their duck ‘Rumi.’
MedEqup4Kids said, via instagram: “We’re so grateful to every local business who sponsored a duck, donated prizes, and helped bring the day to life with food, entertainment and support.
“And of course, thank you to everyone who came along, bought a mini duck, and cheered from the sidelines – this event wouldn’t be possible without you!”
MedEquip4Kids retrieve every duck from the water each year, wash them in a giant bath, and store them ready to be reused the following year.
Since 1985, the charity has raised over £25 million to fund neonatal and paediatric medical equipment, sensory and play facilities in hospitals, specialised equipment for disabled children, and mental health resources.
The corporate teams racing this year were Quartzelec Limited, Orega Offices, Kids Planet Day Nurseries, Hall Brown Family Law, Soapworks, Nells, Cmaps Software, Unite The Union, Seven Bro7hers, The Doctors Laboratory, TSK group and NG Bailey.
Salford Duck Race will return for its twelfth year on Good Friday next year.