Bloaters of Sidford wins Lions’ red duck race and backs DAAT and Macmillan Cancer Support

TWO local charities are each �475 better off, thanks to a red duck and a fish and chip shop.

Joyce Burnham, chairman of Sidmouth Friends of Macmillan Cancer Support and Penny Tupper, a volunteer with Devon Air Ambulance Trust, were served up their cheques on Tuesday by Annette Thorne, co-owner with husband Paul of Bloaters, Sidford.

The couple won the corporate red duck race and �950 for coming first in this year’s Lions’ Duck Race.

It is the seventh year the couple have run the Sidford fish and chip shop, and they have entered the duck race each year.

This is their first win and they were delighted to help both charities, which are special to them.

Annette said: “Both Paul and I lost our parents to cancer at an early age, all within two years. Our boys are still young and have never had the privilege of having grandparents, which is very sad.

“Devon Air Ambulance does a fantastic job. We are a sporty family, Paul does motorbike and car racing and I compete on horses and the kids do motocross. So we have always supported DAAT in every way possible.”

Joyce and Penny said the money donated would be spent in Devon. DAAT’s annual running costs are �4 million.

Joyce said: “Macmillan is giving �40,000 in grants to local people struggling financially because of cancer and if anyone out there is struggling they can go to their local GP or nurse and get a form.”

She said the charity also paid for Macmillan doctors to tend people nearing the end of their lives.