Somerset duck race will fund clinical cancer trials (From Chard & Ilminster News)
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Somerset duck race will fund clinical cancer trials
6:30am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News
10,000 ducks are expected to sail down the River Tone.
AS Easter rapidly approaches, people are being invited to take part in the Great Somerset Duck Race.
The fundraiser will see 10,000 plastic ducks sail the River Tone on Saturday, March 30th at 11am in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The ducks will be launched from Goodland Gardens, in a race to the river bridge next to Morrisons supermarket.
Dawn Harrison, Cancer Research UK’s area volunteer manager for Somerset, said: “We are absolutely delighted this wonderful event is being organised, what a lovely sight it will make at Easter, thousands of colourful ducks floating through Taunton.
“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so.
"However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our life saving research.”
Cash made from the race will be put towards clinical trials in Somerset helping to shape the future of cancer treatments.
Trials run in hospitals across the UK and many are recruiting patients in hospitals such as Taunton's Musgrove Park.
Among these are the STAMPEDE trial, which is researching new ways to treat prostate cancer, and the HOPON trial, which is looking at reducing side effects of treatments for head and neck cancer.
To sponsor your duck, or enter your school in the drawing and colouring competition, visit www.greatsomersetduckrace.co.uk
