UK’s first Pink Duck Race raises thousands for breast cancer

The UK’s first pink duck race has raised thousands for breast cancer support after 5,000 rubber ducks floated down Cambridge’s River Cam.

Each duck represented a £5 donation to Pink Ribbon Foundation, with participants competing for a nine carat rose gold necklace encrusted with 48 diamonds, shaped like a rubber duck.

The winning duck was whichever one the current pushed through the finish line first.

Lisa Allen from Pink Ribbon Foundation said Cambridge was chosen for the launch because of its strong tradition of water-based racing.

“Every duck in that water today is representing a donation, hope, strength and support for vital services across Cambridge and the rest of the UK as well,” she said.

The race started in Ledegem, Belgium, during the Covid-19 pandemic, with only the mayor and a few neighbours attending.

Kris Schoeters founded the initiative to support Think Pink Europe, which supports breast cancer patients across the continent.

The event has since spread internationally, with Tenerife hosting its first race earlier this year.

Allen said the aim is to see pink duck races established in every European city.

“The dream is to have a pink duck race in every city in Europe. So yeah, I’m delighted to be bringing it here with the Pink Ribbon Foundation to Cambridge for year one.”

Pink Ribbon Foundation says breast cancer affects an estimated 55,000 women and about 400 men each year in the UK.

Supporters could buy a single duck, or a whole flock.

Allen said: “That £5, the price of a posh coffee, has basically given us the opportunity to reach out to many women and a small percentage of men that are affected by breast cancer.”