On Monday 2nd May at 12 noon the first of four duck races will take place on the River Lostock in Leyland. Our owner, Mark Booker, is an established member of Leyland Rotary Club whose members organise the annual event in aid of St Catherines Hospice which is based at Lostock Hall. The races are started by the Mayor of South Ribble, one race is a Corporate Duck race in which companies sponsor a duck for £20, the remaining three races are for the public. Be sure to get there early and buy your duck for a £1!
At the event will be a range of stalls selling food, sweets, balloons, a raffle, games and a tombola. The first prize in the raffle is £100. As with previous years of some of the ducks will get stuck and require a helping hand to get moving again by volunteers braving the river currents!
Many people mistakenly believe that St Catherines Hospice receives substantial public funding from the NHS. However, the demand for its services is rising due to its reputation and the increasing range of services. For example St Catherines staff help people to remain in their own home. To fund this activity the Hospice relies heavily on donations and organised fund raising events.
Mark Booker explains: “Everyone recognised that St Catherines Hospice is a worthwhile cause, it supports people with cancer and often overlooked helps their families. The hospice gathers a lot of support locally and is a charity the Rotary Club is keen to support. Over the last 2 years a number of Rotarians have been touched by cancer so it is something we are keen to help with.
The Duck Race (May) together with the Leyland Festival (June) are important events in the Rotary calendar as they are high profile demonstrations our commitment to the local area and one in which members give up their time freely.”
