Harry’s Duck Race raises thousands for charity in memory of young Wrexham boy

Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a young boy from Wrexham during the annual Harry’s Duck Race.

Crowds gathered at Pontblyddyn Cricket Club on Sunday 1 September to take part in the colourful family event to remember Harry Jones and raise funds for the hospice that cared for him.

Harry, died in 2005 after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia in his sleep. He was just four years.

The memorial event and fun day is hosted each year by the Jones family and sees hundreds of ducks race down a small stretch of the River Alyn in a series of heats followed by a final.

Attended by Wrexham Mayoress, Beryl Blackmore, the event also includes a fancy dress competition for larger ducks.

During the day attendees enjoyed the races, a raffle, stalls, BBQ, bar, face painting for the kids and other games all to help raise funds for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith.

After Harry’s death, the Jones family went to stay in the special Snowflake Suite at Hope House hospice in Oswestry.

The Snowflake Suite is a dedicated bedroom, lounge and private garden where families can say goodbye to their children after they have died, in their own time and in their own way. The family also accessed bereavement counselling through the hospice.

This year’s event helped to raise more than £3,000 for the charity.

The youngest ever winner of the prettiest duck category

Mum, Julia Jones said: “We are so grateful to everybody who came out to enjoy the day, raise money for this wonderful cause and help us remember our precious Harry.

“A huge thank you goes to all our kind sponsors and the Mayoress for coming along to officiate proceedings.

“It was a lovely afternoon and very well supported.”

Wrexham area fundraiser for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith, Bethan Young said: “What a great day and turn out from the local community.

“It was so much fun and great to see so many happy faces and the standard of fancy dress on the big ducks was incredible.

“Our thanks go to Julia and family for their continued support and to everybody who bought ducks for the races and took part in all the games. See you next year.”