Fishing competition raises over £20,000 in five years

Army veteran, Mark, has raised over £20,000 for our charity with his annual charity fishing match in Essex. 

Mark, who now works for Holdfast Training Services Ltd, who provide training support for the Corps of Royal Engineers, held the fifth ‘Carpers for Veterans Support’ fishing event in aid of the charity at Oak Lakes Fisheries in Southminster on 20 and 21 September.    

A mix of anglers, veterans, serving members of the Armed Services and civilians took part in the 48-hour competition which saw them fighting it out to catch the five biggest carp. There was also an award for the biggest carp overall, which this year weighed in at 27lbs.  

A raffle and auction took place at the event which local businesses donated generously towards. A representative from our charity attended and was presented with the cheque; which this year was for £3,420.  Organiser Mark says:

“I served in the British Army for 30 years. I’m fortunate that I still have my health, but some people are not so lucky. It means a huge amount to me to be able to give back. I feel immensely proud to be able to do something to help those who have lost their sight whether that was during service or later in life.    
   
“Every single one of the competitors feels that way too. It really is the highlight of their angling calendar; they return each year for the camaraderie. This year there were 18 competitors, four of which were people I had served with in the Army."

Mark explains that for some of the veterans that take part, this event is an opportunity to spend 48 hours alongside other people with a military background and that means a lot to them. He says:

“I want to say a huge thank you to Oak Lake Fisheries, who let us return year after year and use their lake at no charge for this event. Their support is amazing and the event wouldn’t be possible without them. They also provide food for our Saturday night BBQ and donated prizes for the raffle.”