By Beverly Rademacher
The Black Country Duck Race and Family Festival held in aid of The Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge on Sunday June 29 drew in plenty of visitors on one of the warmest days of the year.
The fun-filled event brought together families, supporters and businesses keen to show their support for hospice, based in Hagley Road, Oldswinford, which needs to raise 拢3.5 million annually.
Gusts of wind meant the race, which has become a key event in the charity’s annual fundraising calendar, didn鈥檛 entirely go as planned but the event was hailed a 鈥済reat success鈥 by the owners of the Waterfront – Parcap.
Alex Hall, a spokesperson for the real estate investment business which aims to get The Waterfront resembling its bustling heydays of the 1990s, said: 鈥淲e thoroughly enjoyed it.
鈥淭he only problem was the changing wind that made the ducks swim backwards.
“But what really mattered is that thousands of people came out, had a wonderful time, with great entertainment, great food, and lots of money was raised for an excellent cause.鈥
Hospice bosses said the event, sponsored by Waldrons Solicitors and Prosperity Wealth, saw more than 3,000 rubber ducks take to the water, each purchased for 拢3 and helping to raise vital funds to support the hospice鈥檚 work caring for people with life-limiting conditions.
Amanda Bowen, director of fundraising at the hospice, said: “Events like the duck race not only raise much needed funds, but also help spread awareness about the care and support we provide every day.
鈥淲hether people bought a duck, made a donation, or simply came along to cheer on the race, the hospice is incredibly grateful for the support shown.”
A host of other outdoor events are planned at The Waterfront throughout the summer including Waterfront Digbeth Dining Dates with street food served up by the canal side on Friday July 11, Friday August 1 and Friday September 5.
Black Country Craft Markets will also bring the waterside complex to life on Sunday July 27, Sunday August 24 and Sunday September 28.