Cambridge United Stadium Manager and Head Groundsman Ian Darler is casting off for another epic fishing fundraiser – with hopes of reeling in £10,000 for four charities, including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The 66-year-old’s annual Big Fish Off returns on Thursday, 16th July, when he will attempt to catch 200lb of fish in just ten hours at Frasers Fishery, in Little Downham, near Ely.
The target is roughly the equivalent weight of a 14.2-stone person, with an independent verifier on site to confirm the total catch.
The challenge is being organised by Kevin Johnson, of CB Groundworks & Construction, in partnership with Cambridge United Foundation and Cambridge Charity Fundraisers, and funds will be shared between EACH, Cambridge United Foundation, Cambridge Acorn Project and CPSL Mind.
“I’m feeling good and looking forward to the challenge,” said Ian, who is approaching his 48th season at the Cledara Abbey Stadium and was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to Cambridge United and his work with the Cambridge Charity Fundraisers.
“I need to be on my mettle because it’s going to be difficult.
“Catching 200lb of fish in ten hours will be no mean feat, but I always want to push myself. I like a challenge, and it wouldn’t feel right asking people to donate if this was going to be a breeze.
“I fished at the venue recently and only managed 80lb in six hours, which gives some indication of the scale of the challenge.”
After raising £2,000 for CPSL Mind in 2024 and more than £13,000 for six charities through last year’s Big Fish Off, Ian is hoping the community can help him reach his £10,000 target.
Kevin Johnson has pledged to donate £1,000 if public donations reach £5,000, plus a further £500 should Ian land an impressive 250lb.
“If anything, I’m more anxious about the fundraising side of things than the fishing,” added Ian.
“I appreciate we’re living in difficult times, but if we could get to £10,000 it would be a massive achievement. That would take us past £25,000 for the three years of the Big Fish Off.
“It’s a big ask, but I’ll be devastated if we don’t get there. I don’t like failing at anything and dearly hope we can reach that target.
“I feel strongly about the charities I’m supporting and have a real connection with EACH.
“Every pound raised makes a difference, and I hope the community once again gets behind me in support of these four fantastic charities.”
Ian’s connection with EACH stretches back more than two decades, beginning with a testimonial against Ipswich Town.
“I wanted to make a donation and then, the following year, had a similar request from my contact at Milton,” he said.
“I decided to put a fishing group together – colleagues and businessmen who started fishing together once a month before making a donation.
“We’ve been going ever since, and I’m grateful to EACH for starting me on this journey. I’ve got a history with Milton.
“As a parent, I feel blessed that all my children are fit and healthy.
“What parents go through must be so challenging, but the support they receive at the hospice is truly amazing. It provides immense relief and must make such a difference. It’s hard to express the words to describe the work EACH does.
“It makes me angry that hospices get so little from the government. It’s appalling because the work they do is off the scale.”
To show your support and donate, click here.
Erin Henry, EACH’s Senior Corporate Fundraiser for Cambridgeshire and West Essex, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ian for choosing to support us once again through his latest Big Fish Off challenge.
“His commitment to fundraising over so many years has been nothing short of remarkable, and we’re continually inspired by the time, energy and passion he puts into helping local charities like ours.
“We’d like to wish him the very best of luck, and every donation we receive will help us continue providing vital care and support for children and families across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia.”
