News

DUCK mountain madness helping beat child poverty

(16 October 2003)

Twenty two intrepid Durham University students have spent the summer conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, raising £12,000 for Save the Children in the process.

Representatives from Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK) will present their biggest ever single donation to Sheila Wright, Regional Director for Save the Children on Friday 17 October at 1.30pm in Durham Market Square.

Rising to a massive, glacier crowned 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and represents a serious challenge even to the most experienced mountaineer. Expedition leader and DUCK manager Tim Guinan said, "Climbing the mountain was one of the hardest physical and psychological challenges most of us had ever faced, yet also the most rewarding"

Last year DUCK raised £85,000 for local, national and international charities and decided to climb Kilimanjaro on behalf of Save the Children because of the good work that they do in Africa to provide humanitarian aid, combat the use of child soldiers and promote aids awareness among young people.

Friday (17 October) marks the launch of Save the Children's 'Beat Poverty Day' which coincides with the beginning of the United Nations campaign to eradicate poverty. Mrs Wright commented, “We hope that the campaign can raise awareness of the plight of children in the developing world. A child dies every three seconds because of poverty and it doesn't have to be this way.”

The next big project for DUCK is a the launch of 10,000 rubber ducks, each one sponsored for £1 by well wishers, off Elvet Bridge in Durham City Centre for a massive duck race on 2nd of November. The race is being organised in conjunction with Northumbrian Water and Durham Marketing Initiative. Proceeds from the race are going to Wateraid, St Cuthbert's Hospice and the Mayor's Appeal.

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.

For information about duck ticket sales contact the Durham Marketing Initiative on 0191 3832932.

For further information and photo Opportunities contact
Tim Guinan, DUCK Officer on 0191 3341797 or 07811 322740 or
Helen Swain, Public Relations Office, University of Durham, 0191 3340017