Match fishing legend's book raises 2.3k for cancer charity

THE very first copy of Tommy Pickering’s autobiography has raised £2,315 for the Anthony Nolan blood cancer charity following an online raffle auction. 

A total of 463 tickets priced at £5 each were bought by anglers in the NuFish Southfield Reservoir Match Facebook Group, which is in its third year of raising funds for the charity. 

The 1989 World Champ Tommy, who regularly attends matches at the East Yorks venue, told us donating his signed book for the raffle was a ‘no-brainer’.

“My mum died of leukaemia in 2008 and the charity has also supported good friend and Southfield match organiser Andy Renton through his battle with the disease.

“I wanted to offer something a little different to raise money and the book donation was an instant hit – making £1,000 in the first hour of the raffle.The response has blown my mind.”

To generate even more funds, Andy and fellow match organiser Mick Axon created a three-day festival at Southfield Reservoir which attracted 78 competing anglers. 

Andy added:

“If it wasn’t for Anthony Nolan I wouldn’t be here, so I’d just like to thank Tommy and everyone who bought a ticket or entered the festival for their contribution to the charity.”

Tommy at the book presentation – with Southfield match organisers Andy Renton (Left) and Mick Axton