Inaugural York Duck Race cancelled
The organisers of York's inaugural duck race have been forced to cancel the event
due to the continuing high river levels.
The event had been organised on behalf of Martin House Hospice, and was being supported
by City of York Council as part of the Festival of the Rivers. It was initially
due to take place on 1 July and was later postponed until 29 July. However, organisers
have been forced to cancel the event over health and safety fears.
Liz Topi, the council's events officer, said: "We're all so disappointed that the
race has had to be cancelled, especially after all the hard work's that gone in
to it. It's particularly sad for the charity that stood to receive donations from
the event - Martin House Hospice - which does such good work in the York area."
Anyone who has bought a duck will be contacted by Martin House Hospice to see if
they would still like to make a donation, or whether they would like their money
back.
If anyone has any queries about the event they should call Liz Topi on 01904 554253.
Martin House provides care and support to families in which there is a child or
children with a short life expectancy.
Our aim is to provide a home from home with a lively, friendly atmosphere where
children and their families can enjoy the best quality of life. Although a proportion
of our children suffer from cancer, the majority of children suffer from long term
progressive disorders such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Batten's Disease and
Cystic Fibrosis.
We welcome all the family, giving them a break together or time to themselves in
a comfortable, home from home atmosphere. It is a place of love and understanding,
of fun, laughter and friendship - where they can have a full night's sleep and "recharge
their batteries".