Flyfishing Competition to Reel in Money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

A team of anglers have organised a fishing fundraiser in Glasgow on Saturday April 5th. 

Jordan Blackshaw, Bob McMonigle and Paul Bainbridge came together to organise the day at Harelaw Trout Fishery, in Neilston, Glasgow, to raise money for Scotland’s largest health charity.

The trio held a fishing event in December with people they met through TikTok and after the success of that day they decided to host one for a good cause.

Jordan, from Blantyre, said: “In August 2023 I lost a mate, Shaun Darren, to cardiac arrest. We played for the same football team, Barkdykes Rovers, based in Blantyre.”

Bob, from Carluke, said: “We weren’t really sure where to start and then we got a picture of what charities are out there to help people with heart attacks, strokes and that sort of thing and that’s how we landed on CHSS.

“We’d like to mention Steven McGowan from Newhouse Fishery who supported and hosted our fun day in December, and Stefan Flynn who was kind enough to support both the fun day as well as the fundraiser and has already made a donation.

“I’d also like to give a massive thanks on behalf of all of us to Ross Murdoch, for allowing us access to Harelaw on the day, his generous donation and support in helping organise prizes.”

There are spaces for 40 anglers on 20 boats for April’s event with a £25 entry fee to every angler with that money going to CHSS.

There will also be a raffle and an auction on the day with a host of prizes up for grabs.

Paul, from Stirling, said: “We’ve had a lot of feedback from a few companies, other fisheries and people that tie flies and have fishing materials.

“Semperfli, Glasgow Angling Centre, Stirling Angling Centre have donated prizes. Lake of Menteith has donated a boat for the day and if you’re into flyfishing everybody knows it’s the big one and has great water.

“Ross Murdoch has donated a season ticket as well which is worth about £350. We just want to thank everyone from the angling community who has reached out, or donated, for their support in this event and their generosity.”

To get involved contact the Trout ‘N’ About. Bits ‘N’ Buzzers or Fly High Tying Facebook or TikTok pages.

Aimee Russell, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Community Events and Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We wish the guys all the best for their fishing fundraiser in April and hope that as well as catching plenty of fish everyone taking part can reel in some money for CHSS.

“The money raised helps us to support the one in five people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live life to the full. Whether it’s been taking a walk or hitting the loch, fundraisers help us to provide support services in the community to allow people to better manage their conditions and stay healthy.”

To find out more about fundraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland please go to www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/.

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.