Firebugs set pensioner’s tackle ablaze

The angling community has united to come to the aid of a heartbroken pensioner whose tackle collection was destroyed by vandals.
Roger Adams (71), from Hull, had packed his vehicle the night before leaving for his annual carp trip to France, but, sadly, it proved to be a journey that he would never make.
He was woken early the next morning by the fire brigade, who had battled to extinguish a blaze that destroyed his car – after it had been vandalised.
More than £500 worth of the retired clergyman’s prized tackle, including two Abu Garcia reels that he’d owned for almost 40 years, were destroyed.
A video camera and a GPS device were stolen from his car before it was set alight.
“I was ready to leave in the morning but when I woke up my car was a wreck,” Roger told Angling Times.
“I’ve lost a new Shakespeare seatbox with all my terminal tackle although the worst loss are my Abu Garcia 155 and 55 reels – as I’ve had them for so many years.
“This really has left me feeling so low because my fishing means the world to me and I have a big pike fishing match at the end of the month, but all my predator tackle went up with the car.”
As soon as this heart-wrenching story broke both Roger and the Angling Times offices were inundated with messages of support and offers to donate tackle to the disabled pensioner.
One of those has come from Grimsby-based Baitbox, which has offered to supply Roger with a selection of gear to enable him to compete in the competition.
“This is a tragic story and we would like to do all that we can to help keep Roger fishing through this difficult time,” said Vicky Zakrzewski, co-owner of the Baitbox.
Passionate angler and head uk consultant for Savage Gear Ant Glascoe Jnr was left shocked by the story and has vowed to help Roger build his tackle collection back up again.
“I know I’m not alone when I say that scumbags like this really are the lowest of the low. How could they do this to someone like Roger who even had a disabled sticker in his car?” asked Ant.
“I feel it’s my duty to help in times like this and I’ll rally the troops and sort him out with what he needs. I’d be delighted if he wants to come fishing with me one day soon. Me and my crew will cheer him up.”