A GIANT inflatable duck is set to return to Oxfordshire’s waterways.
The 15-foot yellow bird passed through the county this weekend to get to Lechlade, from where it will today begin a month-long journey to Teddington, London.
It is due to pass through Oxford this weekend, likely reaching Osney Bridge and the Head of the River pub on Saturday.
Organiser Tim Dodd-Wilson is raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in memory of the Penlee lifeboat disaster which saw 16 people die in 1981.
Mr Dodd-Wilson, who is set to turn 55 on the adjoined raft next Tuesday, said that the RNLI wanted a risk assessment to be undertaken since it would be ‘a bit embarrassing’ if they had to come and rescue it.
He explained that the ‘largest duck in Europe’ was last night set to be named ‘Lily’, after being known previously only as ‘Big Duck’.
Mr Dodd-Wilson, a professional tree surgeon, explained that he and his helpers had tried to keep a low ‘deflated’ profile on the way to the start point – a feat difficult with a 14-foot wide duck in tow.
ALSO READ: Oxford to Cambridge Expressway slated as professor claims it 'will not go ahead'Noting that Lily was ‘probably one of the highest things to go through Oxford’, he said that she would be heading on to Henley Regatta on Wednesday, July 3.
He added: “I love the river and Citroen 2Cvs. I saw the duck across a field at a Citroen show in Holland and I had to bring it back.”
Lily is no stranger to celebrity and has spent a lot of time at regattas and festivals.
So far around £1,500 has been raised for the duck’s adventure.
For more information go to justgiving.com/fundraising/bigducksbigadventure
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