Tom Brown's duck race raises £2.6k for Young Lives vs Cancer

Tom Brown’s pub hosted the rubber duck race for the fifth year in a row in memory of Matthew Hoskins.

Matthew, from Weymouth, tragically passed away in August 2014 aged 24, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour two years before.

Both Matthew and his family were supported by CLIC Sargent, now known as Young Lives vs Cancer which is the UK’s leading charity for supporting young cancer patients and their families. Money raised from the event in the region of £2,600 was given to the charity.

Katy Jones, the manager of Tom Brown’s was close friends with Matthew and spent a long time organising the event with Matthew’s sister, Rachel Holloway.

The event included a live music performance, face painting, a raffle and games as well as two duck races down the River Frome behind the pub.

Katy said: “I’m touched at the support from the people of Dorchester and further afield who came out to support our fifth duck race.

“Our event has grown year on year and now is a local tradition. Also a big thank you to the sponsors, especially Blast Off Fitness, Vanilla Radio and ShockBox Fitness.

“I was so pleased to know that £2,600 can pay for three families to stay just over two weeks each at the Young Lives vs Cancer ‘Home from Home’ in Southampton.”

Rachel Holloway said: “When Matthew wasn’t well, our family really appreciated the support from the charity which included staying in their ‘Home from Home’ close by to Southampton Hospital.

“Matthew himself used to volunteer and raise funds for the charity so we wanted to continue to do this in his name. A huge thank you to everyone for their support.”

Liz Blunt, the charity’s local senior fundraising engagement manager for Dorset said: “I have been lucky enough to go along to this fantastic day before and it’s beautifully organised and a lovely tribute to Matthew.

“A massive thank you to Katy, Rachel, Matt’s family and volunteers who supported the day again at the fantastic Tom Browns Pub in Dorchester.”