Early in March, our school's Reception Class hatched some ducklings which we decided to keep and raise as part of our St. Stephen's CE Primary School family. Our children were ecstatic at having their very own ducks and the health, mental and emotional well-being benefits they have brought to us has been amazing.

All the ducklings are great characters however one of our white ducklings stood out above the others and quickly became the children's favourite and was named Jimmy, he was definitely the leader of the pack, chief troublemaker and soon stole everyone's hearts. Sadly at only 3 weeks old, Jimmy caught pneumonia and the outlook was very bleak but because he was so loved by everyone we knew we had to do everything we could to save him. A member of staff (Mama Duck) took him home and he received round the clock care. Jimmy was such a fighter and miraculously pulled through but was left with a bad limp and a twisted neck.

He never let his disabilities hold him back and soon returned to join the rest of the flock however a few weeks later he was unwell again and became unable to walk. He was cared for again at 'Mama Ducks' house and it was decided that we should build Jimmy a wheelchair. He loves being pushed around in it and uses his legs to help him go faster, quacking loudly to get everyone’s attention as he goes past! We found out at this point that Jimmy was actually a girl but the name has stuck!

She is recovering well and is getting stronger every day but will always be a little lopsided with wonky legs but we'll do all we can to give her the best life possible regardless of any disabilities. She wants to be back with the flock but they are very aggressive towards her as she has spent so much time away. We are raising money to build a separate home for her near the other ducks in the hope that they will all eventually get along, although we don’t know if this will ever happen as Jimmy now thinks she is more human than duck!