News

Out for duck

(8 October 2003)

Ducks on the cricket wicket at Durham County ground are set to be launched from a bridge over the River Wear for charity.

(A Northumbrian Water press release.)

The big-prize rubber duck race in Durham City on Sunday 2 November is set to cause quite a flap as the biggest in Britain this year.

Up to 10,000 ducks will splash into the river from Elvet Bridge – each one sponsored for £1 by well wishers.

Gary Pratt, Durham’s young player and top fielder of the year, will launch the duck race which will raise funds for the international charity WaterAid, the Durham Mayor’s Appeal and the St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham City.

Reporters and photographers are invited to Durham County Cricket Club at Chester-le-Street at 10.30am on Friday 10 October to get the duck low ‘down’. A huge flock of the bright yellow and orange beaked duck race competitors will also be in attendance! Pictures will be available on request afterwards.

Sponsored by Northumbrian Water and promoted by the Durham Marketing Initiative, the race is being run by Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK).

WaterAid, the adopted charity of Northumbrian Water, raises funds to bring clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education to people in Africa and Asia. Just £10 will provide clean drinking water for a person for their entire life.

The first duck over the Kingsgate Bridge finishing line wins its sponsor £750. Second over the line wins £250 and there are a host of smaller runners up prizes.

Larger corporate ducks are also available for companies to sponsor for £25 each with a case of champagne to be won.

Northumbrian Water’s Communications Manager and WaterAid supporter, Alistair Baker said: “The spectacle of 10,000 yellow ducks bobbing along the River Wear will be a really fun event for brilliant causes. It is already driving everyone ‘quackers’ and we hope it will pay the ‘bills’ for the worthwhile charities!”

For further details contact Alistair Baker on 0191-301-6851 and for information about duck ticket sales contact the Durham Marketing Initiative on 0191-383-2932.