Words by Cheyanne Bryan
The Rubber Duck Race returned this year to raise funds for COSMIC, a charity that supports children and neonatal intensive care units at St Mary’s and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital.
Smiley News headed down to watch the excitement as up to 3,000 ducks were set to bob down the canal at Merchant Square in Paddington, racing 100 metres to the finish line. With each duck sponsored for just £3, and a surprise for the winner.
Young Aiyla, who was admitted to hospital in March 2023 after contracting sepsis, was this year’s special guest as she was tasked with the countdown to the race.
When speaking with Eulanda Griffith, Aiyla’s mum, she said “Luckily we had Cosmic who helped us [...] Things like this I never thought we’d get to experience. We missed it last year because she was still in hospital but, who knew a year later we would still be here.”
Lynsey Carrington, Acting Chief Executive of Cosmic charity, commented: “One of the best things about cosmic is that our families carry on being part of our family, even if they have left the hospital.”
But the quacking craziness doesn’t end there! The Rubber Duck Race coincides with the Dragon Boat Regatta, a lively competition where teams dressed in costumes race down the canal.
The money raised will continue to support the NHS in various ways from purchasing vital equipment to providing training for health professionals and more. Check out the video the see how it went!
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Happy Days Children’s Charity. This charity is committed to building happy memories for children with disabilities or chronic life limiting illnesses. Learn more here.
COSMIC. This charity supports thousands of babies and children in intensive care, their families and the frontline staff who care for them. Learn more here.
The NICU Foundation. This nonprofit supports the delivery of Neonatal Care within the 12 Units across the South West of England. Their work also aims to ensure premature babies can make it home to their families with the right assistance. Support them here.
