A group of St Helens anglers have netted nearly £1,000 for North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) after hosting their annual charity fishing match.
Held on 20 June, the popular event brought together 21 local anglers for a day of friendly competition, fundraising and community spirit, raising vital funds to help keep the charity’s lifesaving helicopters and critical care teams responding across Merseyside and the wider North West.
The Charity Fish Match was organised by the Pilks Angling club members Roger Farr, Keith Castle and Alan Rimmer, who have been running similar fundraising events for many years.
As well as a day of fishing, participants enjoyed a breakfast cooked by Roger, and took part in a raffle featuring an impressive 43 prizes, all donated by supporters and local businesses.
For organiser Keith Castle, the event is about much more than catching fish. He said: “We do it to give something back and bring people together. Some of the newer members told us it was brilliant because they got to meet people they hadn’t met before.
“It’s a social day as much as anything else. Everyone helps each other out and has a good laugh while raising money for charity.”
The decision to support NWAA was inspired by the memory of a well-known local tackle shop owner and friend of the club who passed away last year after becoming ill while sea fishing. The club wanted to honour his memory and support a charity he had championed throughout his life.
Keith said: “He did a lot for our club over the years and always supported the North West Air Ambulance. This was our way of saying thank you and giving something back in his memory. Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated. If people communicate what they’re doing and get everyone involved, it’s amazing what can be achieved. At the end of the day, it’s about neighbours helping neighbours.”
The cause also has personal significance for members of the club, many of whom have witnessed first-hand the impact of the service across the region.
During a recent conversation with NWAA representatives, organisers reflected on seeing the charity’s helicopters regularly responding to incidents around Merseyside, including serious road traffic collisions and medical emergencies.
Roger Farr, who helped secure dozens of raffle prizes for the event, said: “People have been incredibly generous. The raffle is always a big part of the day, and local businesses and supporters really got behind us again this year. When people know what the money is going towards, they want to help.”
The club hopes to continue hosting charity fishing matches in the future, using the events to support good causes while strengthening connections within the local community.
Rhianna McDermott, Regional Fundraiser for Merseyside at NWAA, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Roger, Keith, Alan and everyone who took part in this year’s Charity Fish Match. As a charity that relies entirely on donations to keep our helicopters flying and our critical care teams responding, support from community groups like this is invaluable.”
To support the charity or find out how you can host your own fundraiser, head to https://www.nwairambulance.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraising/