67-year-old runs over 26 miles to fund fishing in schools

WORLD-renowned fly fisherman Charles Jardine has raised £4,500 for his Fishing for Schools initiative (FFS) after running 26.4 miles around Rutland Water.

It took the 67-year-old more than six hours to complete the circuit in driving rain, but Charles said the struggle was ‘more than worth it’ to help bring fishing to struggling kids during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He told us:

“There’s never been a more vital time to help children and their mental health through fishing, and the money raised from this run will enable our licensed coaches to reach out to more schools.

“We don’t want to lose momentum now that Covid is here, and every penny we can raise will continue to make a difference to a young person’s life.”

This the fourth time Charles has run a marathon to generate funds for the project, but he believes this will be his last.

“I struggled with injuries leading up to this run, and with me being 67 years old, the wear and tear is now taking its toll,” he added.

“I’ve had a lot of fun along the way, though.”

Charles Jardine enjoying a cuppa outside the Rutland fishing lodge following his marathon