I bring my therapy ducks to schools, care homes, events and community gatherings across Kent. They have a special way with people of all ages and abilities — particularly children with different needs.
I don't charge a penny. I do this because it makes people smile. Donations are welcome but never expected — there's a GoFundMe if you'd like to chip in.
I'm Mark Colyer. I live in Hoo, near the marina and work as a gardener, and most days you'll find me out and about with my ducks.
Four-and-a-half years ago I put a few eggs in the incubator. Twelve hatched, but only one followed me everywhere like a dog. So that's what I called him — Dog.
These days Dog comes camping with me, follows me around all day, and loves meeting people. Goldie joined us more recently, and we have 15 ducks in the flock altogether.
My quest in life is simple: to make people smile.
Whether it's a child who's never touched a real animal before, an elderly resident in a care home, or a stranger at the pub — there's something about the ducks that reaches people.
One of the most special days was a visit to Michelham Priory with a young girl who was blind. The way she lit up when she felt their feathers — that's why I do it.
We've been to Leeds Castle (where we got the highest visitor feedback they'd ever recorded), pubs across Medway, and medieval reenactments. Anywhere people need a smile, really.
Visits are free — donations help cover duck food, vet bills and fuel for the camper.
We come to you. The ducks love meeting people, and we tailor each visit to suit the audience. No fee, ever — just an invitation and a place to land.
Calm, sensory-friendly visits. Particularly powerful for children with additional needs — the gentle, predictable nature of the ducks works wonders.
Ducks bring something different to a day. Many residents grew up around farms — meeting Dog and Goldie sparks memories and conversations.
From village fêtes to fundraisers. Medieval reenactments are a speciality — Mark is also part of the Mediaeval Siege Society.
You might already have spotted us at the Waterfront Bar, The City Wall or The Queen Charlotte. Always happy to say hello.
Time with the ducks is naturally calming — a few quiet minutes of slow, gentle company with an animal that has no agenda. We visit support groups, recovery circles, mindfulness sessions, and anyone who just needs a soft moment in the day.
A gentle break in the day for office teams, hospitals shifts, charity offices and small businesses. Lovely for mental-health awareness weeks, away days, or just because someone in the team could do with seeing a duck.
My quest in life is to make people smile. The ducks and I bring out the best in people.— Mark Colyer
Kirsty is a friend of Mark's — an 11‑year‑old from Kent who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2024. Mid‑chemo, she started crocheting one bunting triangle for every week of treatment, raising over £120,000 for Children with Cancer UK along the way. JustGiving named her their Rising Star.
She's now launching "My Name Is Kirsty" — finding every Kirsty and Kirstie in the world to map them and raise money for paediatric brain tumour research. If you've enjoyed meeting Mark and the ducks, please take a moment for Kirsty.
She felt every one of Dog's feathers and described to me what each one felt like. The way she lit up — that's why I do it.— Mark, on meeting Bo at Michelham Priory
Bo has been blind since birth. With her family's permission, she's part of why we keep doing this. (Photo to follow.)
A few moments from medieval reenactments, Christmas charity collections, pub stops and quiet days out.
Daily walks around Rochester, regular visits to friendly pubs in Chatham and Gillingham, and meet-and-greets all over Medway, Maidstone and further afield across Kent.
Drop a message, give Mark a call, or follow along on Facebook for the latest adventures. Visits are completely free — donations are welcome but never expected.
