£25,000 charity boost

THE third annual Fish with the Stars event at Linear Fisheries has raised more than £25,000 for charity.

The fish-in took place on the two Brasenose lakes at the Oxfordshire complex last week and paired stars of the carp world with guests who had paid to be there. More than £20,000 has been accounted for already and donations are likely to push the total figure over the £25,000 mark.

The event, which began in 2011, raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and is now one of the charity’s major national fundraisers.
Linear boss Len Gurd, whose wife Shirley died from the brain condition, said: “We raised more than £17,000 in the first year, over £23,000 last year and we’re hoping to top £25,000 this year.”

Hertfordshire angler Tania Williams, who was paired with Garth Ethelstone, raised more than £1,000 to secure her place at the event. She said: “It’s great to be able to do something you enjoy and raise money and awareness for a good cause.”

Despite a roster of stars including Lee Jackson, Dave Lane, Tom Maker, Tim Paisley, Adam Penning, Ian Russell and many more, fishing was tricky but plenty of fish to 29lb still graced the banks, particularly on Brasenose 2.

Adam Penning’s partner Trevor Birchmore, who has attended all three events, said: “It’s a great atmosphere and gives people like me the chance to fish with some great anglers.”