Kind-hearted fishermen are casting off for a milestone charity competition – and on course to take their fundraising total beyond £20,000.
The popular fly-fishing contest, organised by Steve Lambert, is taking place in South Elmham, near Harleston, next Saturday (10th May).
It will be the tenth year of the competition, which is restricted to 30 anglers, and, in that time, nearly £17,000 has been raised for EACH.
“It makes me feel very proud,” said Steve, who is helped by friend Steve Coote.
“It’s great that the event has got bigger and bigger. In the first year, we managed to raise just shy of £450, but now we’re pushing £2,000.
“It’s a fantastic amount of money, and people are very generous and supportive.
“To be honest, I never dreamt I’d still be doing this ten years on from the first competition.
“However, it’s become a bit of a tradition, and even though it’s a lot of work, mainly in terms of getting draw prizes, I enjoy organising things and seeing everyone having a great time on the day.
“Everyone gets in the spirit, and we never lose sight of the reasons we’re doing it – to raise as much as possible for EACH.”
Steve was inspired to start fundraising because his sister’s son died when he was just 11, in 1994.
“He would have been in his 40s now, and we still miss him terribly,” he said.
“My sister, June, lived in the Netherlands, and there wasn’t such a thing as a children’s hospice.
“It wouldn’t have changed the outcome, but my sister and nephew would undoubtedly have benefited from the care and support somewhere like EACH provides.
“That’s why it’s such a special charity and one I’m very happy and proud to raise funds for.”
