Don’t get in a flap, but it’s nearly time for an annual fun-packed day that everybody can enjoy.

Harry’s Duck Race is back this year on Sunday 3^rd September at Pontblyddyn Cricket Club, near Mold and will once again be raising funds for our hospices.

The race and family funday is a memorial event held each year by the family of Harry Jones who died in his sleep in 2015 aged four. 

After Harry died his family received care at Hope House and used our special Snowflake Suite, as well as receiving counselling.

Football fan Harry Jones was just four when he died

Harry's mum Julia said: “We really look forward to the day as a family, but it is one of mixed emotions.

“It’s such a fun event, one that Harry would love and we are proud to do in memory of him.”

Great community support

At last year’s event 1,500 little yellow ducks took to the waters of the River Alyn over 15 heats and a Grand Final on a day that has become a highlight of the summer.

Julia explained: “My husband Jeff and sons Sam and Charlie are really well supported by our friends and relatives in planning the event and on the day.

“There’s always a good turn-out from the local community and we’re blessed to be assisted by some very generous local businesses like Gerrards Bakery, Village Bakery and Nick’s Cheese and Meat who supply foods for the barbeque. Morrisons supermarket and Tesco are also proud supporters.

“The kids absolutely love it and we thank everybody who has supported us in the past and everybody who has bought ducks so far this year.

“We look forward to seeing you all there.”

Sam, Julia and Charlie Jones at the Pontbylddyn Cricket Club

On the day there will be market stalls, entertainment, a raffle and of course the now customary fancy dress big ducks who will be judged by Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Andy Williams.

Entrants with the larger ducks are encouraged to name and decorate their aquatic friends and even put them in fancy dress. Past entries have seen the Cookie Monster, Sherlock Holmes and Diana Ross battling it out.

Looking ahead to the event, Julia said: “We’ve done it in all sorts of weather, during Covid we even did it in the hot tub like a game of Hook-a-Duck, so nothing’s going to stop us and we look forward to seeing everybody there for another great day in Harry’s memory and to support Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith.”

Julia works for CCP Building Products in Llay, who have also kindly chosen Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith as their Charity of the Year for 2023/24.

Get your ducks

Both large and small ducks can be purchased on the day or online in advance (see below).

The event will run from 12pm to 3pm and there will be prizes for the heat winners and overall winners.

The first ducks will hit the water at 12pm sharp and people are welcome at the Cricket Club from 11.30am onwards to join in the fun and activities.

Buy a big Duck £20

Buy baby Ducks £1