CLIC Sargent Pigeon Race for Young Lives Facing Cancer
ON SEPTEMBER 2, this year, thousands of young pigeons will be released from Normandy to start their epic journey home, across the English Channel.
They will fly hundreds of miles to return to their home lofts in over 150 towns and cities across the UK, including several across Gloucestershire.
Organiser Martin Newnham said: "My godson Stuart was unfortunately affected by cancer many years ago. I saw first hand how the support from CLIC Sargent helped families during the most traumatic times.
"I’ve had pigeons since I was nine years old (it's viewed as a strange hobby by many people I meet!). My children and their friends, who are now grown up, enjoyed seeing them fly free, watching the eggs hatch and the young pigeons grow.
"One of their favourite stories as young children was Mr Potter's Pigeon. The story inspired me to organise a small race from my son's school. The children tied messages to pigeon's legs and the winner won a small cup.
"The CLIC Sargent Pigeon Race for Young Lives is a much bigger version where lots of people have a chance to get involved to support a great cause and perhaps win a prize!
"It costs CLIC Sargent an average of £4,000 to support a child and their family through treatment. If this pigeon race can hit that target then I would be thrilled!
"The race really is easy for anyone to enter and I hope the spectacle of thousands of young pigeons racing hundreds of miles from France back to their home loft across the UK, is enough to inspire anyone!"
Pigeon fanciers from every walk of life, including young pigeons from the Queen’s own loft in Cheltenham will be taking part to raise money to support young lives facing cancer.
CLIC Sargent and the National Flying Club would like as many people as possible to sponsor a young pigeon on race day. The lucky sponsors of the fastest pigeons home will win cash prizes and the money raised will help fund CLIC Sargent’s life changing work.
You can sponsor these young pigeon for as little as £2 to be in with a chance of winning the fantastic prizes. You can take part in the event up until the end of August to be in with a chance of winning.
To find out more and to sponsor a young pigeon please visit clicsargent.org.uk/pigeonrace
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