A record-breaking total of almost £9000 was raised for Help for Heroes during a special event in Bedfordshire. Carping4Heroes was created three years ago by Simon Bangert and this year moved from Welham Lake in Malton, North Yorkshire, to Manor Farm Lakes, Biggleswade, to cater for its growing popularity.
The main focus of the weekend was a 24-hour match contested between teams representing the Army, the RAF and civilians. The overall title went to the RAF team thanks to its total of 60lb 6oz, with team member, Davey Smith, also taking individual honours on 22lb 5oz. There was also joy for the civilians, as Chris Holmes and Chris Roper were the winning pair on 22lb 5oz, while Ian Chillcott, representing the Army, won the prize for the biggest fish courtesy of a 14lb 5oz mirror.
As well as the match, competitors and the public were able to partake in a number of fundraising activities over the weekend including a barbecue, a quiz, angling games and an auction in which signed portraits, fishing tickets and tuitions were amongst the items that helped raise a considerable amount of money for the charity.
Simon told Carp-Talk: “Carping4Heroes was a huge success and saw us break last year’s total by a massive £3000, with a final figure in the region of £8900, which is amazing and humbling. To see so many people there this year, plus the likes of Ian Chillcott, Pete Castle, Joe Turnbull, Mark Hogg, Carp-Talk and Carpworld, added to the immense enjoyment had by all over the weekend, proving carp angling can unite for a good cause. I want to thank everyone involved in the event and all those who donated and supported us. It was a top class weekend at a top class venue and next year will be even bigger and better.”
