Scouts across Paisley, Neilston and Barrhead are announcing their chosen charity in which their annual Duck Race will support.

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This year we will be raising funds for The Brightest Star and the Scouts. The Brightest Star is run by an inspiring woman from Renfrewshire called Arlene Smith.

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After losing her healthy 5 year old son Jack overnight to an everyday cold and flu virus, Arlene setup Brightest Star to provide support to other parents who lose a child.  After Jacks sudden death, Arlene struggled to find support groups in Scotland to meet other parents in my situation who have had a child die suddenly. Arlene and her family spent weeks trawling the internet and phone lines looking for help but it just wasn’t readily available.

The main aim of Brightest Star is to provide support groups for parents and allow them the opportunity to meet others who have lost a child and also access professional support. Sadly, this aftercare is not provided to parents in any of our children’s hospitals. Support for bereaved parents is severely lacking in Scotland and that is their work is crucial.

The last event saw thousands of ducks racing in the heart of Paisley to raise thousands of pounds for local charities including local scouts. This year we hope to smash recent years by raising a whooping sum of money for The Brightest Star and the Scouts.

Responding to news that the Brightest Star had been chosen, Arlene said: “It really is amazing that each year the Scouts do this event for charity, it’s a real testament to their community spirit and I am delighted to have Brightest Star chosen as this year’s nominated charity. This is a great way to raise awareness of the charity locally and we are looking forward to being involved on the day.”

Rob Murray, District Commissioner, Paisley & District said: “We are so pleased to be hosting the Duck Race for another year and that the Brightest Star is our chosen charity.

“The work Arlene and the charity does is inspiring and we hope the good people of Paisley, Barrhead and Neilston will get behind the event this year and buy a ticket.

“The Duck Race has been a popular event within the local community for a number of years. We have had great success in raising money for Scouts and also many of the worthwhile local charities.

“We have big plans for this year’s event. Stuart Duncan and our team are working around the clock to ensure the people of Paisley, Barrhead and Neilston enjoy a great day of entertainment and hopefully receiving some excellent prizes.”

Tickets are £1 and can be bought online via http://bit.ly/1RWTA2y or visiting our Facebook page ‘Paisley & District Scouts’.

If you would like to purchase a ticket in person please email info@paisleyanddistrict.org.uk

Any company wishing to donate prizes to this annual community event please also get in touch via 07703732233.

The event will take place on Saturday 21st May 2016, Fun & Music begins at 11:30am at Mill Bridge opposite Morrisons car park. Corporate Duck Race at 2.30pm with main Duck Race starting at 3.00pm.