It really was nice weather for ducks on Sunday September 7^th when the annual Harry’s Duck Race at Pontblyddyn Cricket Club took place in glorious Welsh rain.

Raising money for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices, the event is organised by Julia Jones and family in tribute to her late son, Harry who died suddenly in his sleep aged just four.

With the River Alyn in good flow due to the heavy rain, and crowd in good spirits thanks to songs from Wrexham’s Choirs For Good, a fantastic £5,739 was raised.

Nice Weather For Ducks!

Cllr Jeremy Kent, the Deputy Mayor of Wrexham and his Consort, Connor Christian were in attendance to start the races and enjoy the event.

Jeremy said: “This really is something different and a great event to end the weekend raising money for this fantastic cause.

“It certainly is nice weather for ducks and it’s always good to get out and support the community.”

Fancy Dress Competition Winners

Alongside the duck races in the river, there was the popular fancy dress competition for larger ducks.

Tom Cope from CCP Building Products won the Overall Winner with his ingenious Toilet Duck build.

Entrants once again showed great creativity and the overall winner for Best Dressed Duck were Billy and Harry Coggins from Wrexham with their parody of popular Welsh rap group Goldie Lookin’ Chain called Goldie Duckin’ Chain.

Best Effort went to Haswells Solicitors, with the Craziest Duck award going to Eleri Derbyshire for her Pink Pony Club creation.

We'd Never Let Anything Stop Us

Organiser, Julia Jones, said: “It was a brilliant day despite the weather, but we’d never let anything stop us.

“We’re thrilled with the huge amount raised for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith and thank every family and business who participated and came on the day.

“We also want to thank all our sponsors kind donors who help us with things like food for the barbecue, the Deputy Mayor for coming, Choirs For Good who added a wonderful atmosphere and of course all our helpers and the supportive community for coming out.

“A special thanks to people who travelled all the way from Banbury, Warrington, Ellesmere Port and Manchester. And of course our helpers in the water, Rosie Hibberd, Lisa Beveridge, Jeff Jones (Harry’s Dad), Zac Fahey, Jacob Hibberd and Holly Williams.”

After Harry’s death, the Jones family accessed the bespoke Snowflake Suite at Hope House. The Snowflake Suite is a dedicated bedroom, lounge and private garden where families can say goodbye to their children after they have died, in their own time and in their own way. The family also accessed bereavement counselling through the hospice.

A Meaningful Event

Wrexham area fundraiser for Hope House, Bethan Young, said: “Julia and her family are amazing.

“This event is so meaningful but also a fun way to remember Harry and raise funds for the vital care we provide to local children and families living with a life-threatening condition.

“To raise close to £6,000 is incredible and shows real community spirit.

“We’re so grateful and look forward to another successful event next year.”

Fundraising In Memory

If you'd like to find out more about giving or fundraising in memory of a loved one, please click below.

Find Out More