When Bex Hainsworth, a courageous mother of a young daughter, was faced with the devastating diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, she turned to a creative and heartwarming project to leave a lasting legacy for her daughter, Chloe Mae.
Despite battling a disease that has spread to multiple parts of her body, Bex’s determination to spread joy, awareness, and love through an unusual yet meaningful project has touched hearts across the globe.
By sending pink rubber ducks with breast cancer awareness tags to various locations, Bex hopes to keep her memory alive, inspire others, and raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer.
A Creative Legacy Amidst a Devastating Diagnosis
In 2016, Bex Hainsworth was diagnosed with breast cancer, leading her to undergo a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite the harrowing physical and emotional toll, she fought fiercely, determined to beat the disease.
However, in 2019, Bex’s battle took an unexpected turn when doctors revealed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. By 2020, the disease had spread to her lungs, and by 2022, it had reached her spine, leg bones, liver, and brain.
Faced with such a grim prognosis, Bex Hainsworth was determined to ensure her young daughter, Chloe Mae, would have memories of her beyond her life. Chloe, who Bex affectionately refers to as her “miracle girl,” was only three years old at the time.
The thought of leaving behind a legacy that would outlive her became an essential motivator for Bex, and she wanted to create something that would bring comfort, smiles, and awareness to others in the process.
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Thus, the idea of sending pink rubber ducks across the world was born. Pink, universally recognized as a symbol of breast cancer awareness, would be paired with a personal story—a story of love, resilience, and the importance of cherishing each moment.
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Bex hoped that the simple act of spreading these ducks could not only bring people joy but also spark conversations about breast cancer awareness and the challenges faced by those battling it.
The Pink Rubber Duck Project: Spreading Joy Across the Globe
What began as a local initiative in the UK quickly gained traction, and soon the project was spreading across the globe, touching communities far and wide. Bex initially purchased over 5,000 pink rubber ducks from an online supplier, each one tagged with a message detailing her story and the purpose behind the project.
She set up a Facebook group called “Cmducks,” and within months, the group grew to include more than 400 members who shared her vision of spreading awareness and creating positive memories.
The idea was simple: participants could reach out to Bex to receive a pink rubber duck, take it on an adventure, and then photograph the duck in various locations.
The tag attached to each duck explained Bex’s personal story, with a message urging others to share the experience and post photos online. This allowed Bex to track the journey of the rubber ducks, see how far they traveled, and share the joy that they brought to people across the world.
So far, the project has gained incredible momentum, with rubber ducks finding their way to UK locations such as Co Durham, Gateshead, and Birmingham, as well as international destinations including Australia, India, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.
Bex expressed her amazement at how the initiative has grown beyond her expectations. “We would have never dreamt it would get this big – they’re absolutely everywhere,” she said, adding that she has received countless messages from people who have taken part in the project.
The impact has been overwhelming. Not only has the project been a source of joy for Bex and her family, but it has also brought comfort to many who are facing cancer or who have loved ones affected by the disease.
For instance, Bex received a heartwarming message from a former British Army member who photographed a duck next to military tanks, a gesture that exemplified the kindness and community spirit that has arisen from the project.
Bex’s daughter, Chloe Mae, has become an integral part of the journey. “She absolutely loves being part of the project,” Bex shared. “We love leaving them in places and taking pictures of them, and we love when we see little ones holding the ducks and smile when they’re finding them.”
For Chloe, the project has become a fun and meaningful activity that allows her to connect with people across the world, making memories that will last a lifetime.
The ducks have even been a source of solace for families struggling with cancer. Bex’s husband, Ashley, shared that the project has brought comfort to people who are grappling with their own cancer battles.
“There was a child with brain cancer that found this and another couple that were losing their father to stage four cancer, so many have found solace through this,” he said.
Spreading Awareness and Giving Back to the Community
In addition to raising awareness for breast cancer, the project has also provided an opportunity for Bex and her family to give back to those who are affected by cancer and other causes.
Through the sale of the ducks and the support of the project, Bex has been able to make donations to various charities that support those impacted by cancer. One such charity is the Candlelighters Trust, which offers emotional and practical support to children fighting cancer in Yorkshire.
Bex and Ashley have also supported Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Furthermore, when a 10-month-old child with a rare eye cancer found one of the ducks, Bex and Ashley donated to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust to help further raise awareness for that specific cause.
These donations have added a tangible benefit to the project, giving it a sense of purpose beyond simply spreading joy. By raising funds for cancer research and support organizations, Bex has ensured that her initiative is making a real difference in the lives of others.
“I’m happy to put my hand in my pocket and make some donations as it gives some tangible benefit for people’s time for what they’re doing,” said Ashley.
Bex’s unwavering positivity and generosity have resonated with many who have witnessed the project’s success. The JustGiving team, which has supported Bex’s fundraising efforts, has praised the initiative for its inspiring impact.
Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, shared her admiration for Chloe Mae’s fundraising efforts, saying, “Chloe Mae is an amazing young girl. Like so many others, I’ve been incredibly moved by her fundraising efforts and all that she has achieved so far.”
As the project continues to grow, Bex and her family remain focused on the future. The rubber ducks are not only a symbol of Bex’s love for her daughter but also a beacon of hope for others battling cancer.
Each duck sent on its journey carries a piece of Bex’s spirit and a message of resilience, and in doing so, it touches countless lives, sparking joy and raising awareness in ways that no one could have predicted.
A Mother’s Love That Knows No Bounds
Bex Hainsworth’s pink rubber duck project is a beautiful example of how one person’s creativity, courage, and love can have a profound impact on the world. By using something as simple as a rubber duck, Bex has managed to spread awareness about breast cancer, create lasting memories with her daughter, and bring comfort to others going through their own struggles.
The project has become much more than just a way to keep her memory alive—it has become a global movement that celebrates love, kindness, and community.
As Bex continues her fight against cancer, she can take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through the smiles of those who encounter her rubber ducks and the many lives she has touched along the way. In the end, it’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, joy, and connection.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏