Hospice forced to cancel Pier Head duck race over delivery hold up due to coronavirus

Organisers of a charity duck race for a Liverpool hospice have been left feeling down after their fund-raising hopes were scuppered by coronavirus.

Woodlands Hospice had intended to race around 1,000 sponsored plastic yellow ducks at the Pier Head this Sunday to raise thousands of pounds towards their running costs.

They thought they’d found a supplier which perfectly fitted the bill … but now the virus lockdown in China has forced them to scrap their plans.

Jonathan Burgess from the hospice on Longmoor Lane said an unavoidable hold-up in delivery meant the ducks sadly wouldn’t be race-ready in time for Go Quackers for Woodlands.

“Unfortunately, the delay in delivery was out of our hands,” he explained. “Although we sourced the ducks from a UK supplier, they were manufactured in China. Due to restrictions on exports and the lockdown there to contain the coronavirus, we didn’t receive them in time.

“With heavy hearts we have therefore decided we need to cancel the event.”

The hospice, which provides care for people in north Liverpool, South Sefton and Kirkby, had hoped that its first ever duck raise at the Pier Head on the waterfront would provide a big boost to its income.

By charging £5 per duck, organisers thought they’d come up with a fun way to help them raise the £4,000 they need each day to provide their care.

They’d already managed to sell a large number to supporters, organisations and schools before their efforts were hampered by the unexpected duck go-slow and the added problem of ongoing severe weather conditions especially down on the waterfront.

Jonathan said the enforced cancellation had come as a huge disappointment. “When we started planning this event we were very excited, trying something new.

“We know that people may have planned a family outing or a school or works team event and we are very sorry for that – we very much need and value their support.”

He added that the ducks, once in situ, could be the stars of an alternative show at a later date. “We will look for an alternative way to use our ducks to help our fundraising and let everyone know when we decide what that can be.”

Anyone who has already snapped up a no-show duck is being offered a refund. They should get in touch with events manager Chris Beyga on 0151 529 8193 or email Christine.beyga@liverpoolft.nhs.uk to arrange it.