Southport spinal injury centre holds its first fishing competition to raise vital care funds

Southport spinal injury centre holds its first fishing competition to raise vital care funds

The North West Regional Spinal Injury Centre has hosted its first ever fishing contest to raise much needed funds to support the rehabilitation of its patients, and get them involved in the sport.

The competition, which was sponsored by Southport-based medical negligence and personal injury law firm, Fletchers Solicitors, was held at Blundells Fishery and saw 32 fishermen from across the North West compete against each other in a battle to catch the largest fish.

The winner of the match, Darren Mottershead, from Tameside, was presented with a trophy and a cash prize, but he donated a large proportion of the cash prize back to the centre. The six runners up were also awarded prizes including professional tuition and fishing tackle equipment, donated by Match Angling Products (MAP).

Overall, the event raised £570 for the NHS Trust and this will be used to purchase fishing equipment for its patients.

Chris Shaw, senior civil clerk at St John’s Buildings Chambers and organiser of the event, said: “When I heard the unit wanted to give their patients the opportunity to go fishing but needed the funds to purchase the equipment, I was determined to do something to help. The money raised from the contest will allow the patients from the unit to try fishing for the first time, or possibly rekindle their love for the sport, as part of their rehabilitation.

“From the serious injury work I see through my job, I know how important it is for people with life changing injuries to still be able to enjoy sports and hobbies. I hope these patients can now get as much pleasure from fishing as I do, despite the challenges they face. I’d also like to thank everyone who supported the event, particularly Fletchers Solicitors for its sponsorship, Darren Birch from the Angling Trust and Andy May of MAP for donating prizes for the winners.”

Adrian Denson, head of serious injury at Fletchers Solicitors, said: “Supporting the Spinal Injury Centre is a cause that is very close to the hearts of everyone at Fletchers Solicitors. We helped to organise the first ever Southport Spinal Injury ball, and since then we are always looking for ways to continue our support and help raise even more money for the centre. When Chris mentioned the idea of this contest, we were more than delighted to get involved and sponsor the event. It was a fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who took part, and we are thrilled to have been involved.”

For more information, please visit www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk

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