From ashes to splashes

Two fishing companions staged the ultimate memorial to a late friend when they headed abroad for a fishing trip… and used his ashes to make the bait!

Yorkshiremen Cliff Dale and Paul Fairbrass were shocked when their bankside buddy Ron Hopper died before the three of them were able to enjoy a holiday to Jurassic Mountain Resort and Fishing Park in Thailand.

To commemorate Ron’s memory the pair created boilies nicknamed ‘Purple Ronnies’ out of his ashes and banked a 180lb-plus lake record Siamese carp.

“We came up with all sorts of ideas, but this was something out of the ordinary and as soon as we thought of it we were sure this was the best way to honour him,” said Paul.