The organiser of last weekend’s Beccles Duck race has applauded the event’s success, and explained her personal reasons for getting involved as organiser.

%image(14562083, type="article-full", alt="Organiser Catherine Griggs thanked the organising committee and those who attended.")

Catherine Griggs is the fundraising co-ordinator for Beccles Football Club, and this year took over organisation of the Beccles Duck Race.

She said: "My grandfather was involved with the duck race right from the start, when it originally began.

%image(14562084, type="article-full", alt="A boy admires some of the event's best ducks.")

"He was involved by helping to set up, he made the duck launches and signs, and as a child I would always attend with him."

Ms Griggs' grandfather, Eric Crisp, passed away in 2009 aged 77. She called him her inspiration and said he was "the reason behind my passion for the duck race".

%image(14562085, type="article-full", alt="Attendees taking part in the archery stall at the event.")

She explained: "When the organiser position became available, I was interested because I had sentimental reasons to be.

"The race lost its name for a couple of years and lost its way because it changed from every group. When my grandfather passed away they started the corporate duck race."

%image(14562086, type="article-full", alt="Corporate ducks, rafts, and small ducks hit the water at Midday")

This weekend's event boasted a range of entertainment, including a dog show, craft stalls and games. On Sunday the famous duck race kicked off, with corporate ducks, rafts and small ducks hitting the water at midday.

Not only was the event raising funds for the development of Beccles Football Club, this year it also raised money for Jaymen Woolston, a young boy who suffers with high-risk neuroblastoma.

%image(14562087, type="article-full", alt="Organiser Catherine Griggs said "lots of people enjoyed the duck race."")

Ms Griggs said: "I thought it was an important cause. Although we were raising money for the football club, it was nice to help another community event.

"We had an 'It's a Knockout' event on the first day, and had many people from Jaymen's Army attend."

%image(14562088, type="article-full", alt="Some more of the ducks which were seen at the event")

Predictions for poor weather failed to materialise, with Ms Griggs saying: "We were very lucky that it turned, and overall I think it went very well. We had good feedback from yesterday, lots of people enjoyed it.

"Thanks to the committee who worked with me, without them I'd not be able to do it, and thanks everyone who attended."

%image(14562089, type="article-full", alt="Snacks and refreshments kept attendees cool in the Sunday heat")

To donate, go to: solvingkidscancer.org.uk/campaigns/jaymen. Alternatively, text 'Jaymen' and an amount between £1-£20 to 70085 to donate.

%image(14562090, type="article-full", alt="Ducks on sale to raise funds for Beccles FC and Jaymen Woolston at the event")

%image(14562091, type="article-full", alt="Children playing on one of the bouncy castles at the annual Beccles event")

%image(14562092, type="article-full", alt="The Mayor even came by with her own duck")

%image(14562093, type="article-full", alt="Last weeken's event boasted a range of entertainment")

%image(14562094, type="article-full", alt="Beccles Football Club hope to host the family friendly event again next year")

%image(14562095, type="article-full", alt="This year's Duck Race was applauded as a great success by organiser Catherine Griggs")