Cambridge river turns pink as thousands of rubber ducks race

The UK’s first Pink Duck Race has raised thousands for a charity supporting those with breast cancer.

About 5,000 pink rubber ducks bobbed down the River Cam in Cambridge, each representing a £5 donation from a member of the public to Pink Ribbon Foundation.

Whichever duck was pushed through the finish line first by the current is crowned the winner, the owner then receives a nine carat rose gold necklace, encrusted with 48 diamonds, shaped like a rubber duck.

Lisa Allen, from the charity, said: “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 Cambridge was chosen for the inaugural event as it has a well-known history with water-based racing.

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

Kris Schoeters founded the race as a way to support Think Pink Europe, which supports breast cancer patients across the continent.

It has since branched to other locations across the world – Tenerife hosted its first race earlier this year.

Ms Allen said: “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.”

According to Pink Ribbon Foundation, breast cancer affects an estimated 55,000 women and roughly 400 men in the UK every year.

People wanting to support the charity could buy a single duck, or a whole flock.

Ms 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.”