23-05-2025
Fun day and duck race in memory of local man celebrates sixth year and raises £2.5k
A popular and quirky event returned to Dorchester and raised £2,500 for a cancer charity.
Tom Brown's pub hosted the rubber duck race for the sixth 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, which was in the region of £2,500, was given to the charity.
The 2025 Tom Brown duck race (Image: Stephen Jones) Katy Jones, the manager of Tom Brown's pub was close friends with Matthew and spent a huge amount of time organising the event with Matthew's sister Rachel Holloway. Festivities included live music, BBQ, face painting, raffle, games and much more.
Katy said: 'Once again the people of Dorchester and further afield came out to support our sixth Duck Race and Fun Day.
'It was such a buzz seeing so many excited faces lining the river waiting for the ducks. It has become quite a Dorchester institution. A big thank you to Brace of Butchers, Oak Taverns and all the volunteers & staff who make this event happen."
Rachel Holloway added: '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, Fundraising Engagement Manager for Dorset from Young Lives vs Cancer, said: 'It was fantastic to be at the Dorchester Duck Race and Fun Day organised so brilliantly by Katy and Rachel. The happiness level on the banks of the river during the duck race was very high, with much excitement.
"It was a lovely occasion and fantastic to meet Katy, Rachel and family again and the other fab volunteers. Young Lives vs Cancer relies on donations to fund our vital work so we can't thank Katy, Rachel and all involved enough for this fantastic event once again in memory of Matthew.'
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