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Carp fishing fundraiser

Published on 9 Aug 2023

An Army veteran has organised a charity fishing match in Essex to raise money for our charity.

Holdfast Training Services Ltd, who provide training support for the Corps of Royal Engineers, is hosting its fourth annual Carpers for Veterans fishing event at Oak Lakes Fisheries in Southminster between 15 and 17 September.

Eighteen anglers have signed up to take part in the 48-hour competition which will see them fighting it out to catch the five biggest carp.

Group picture of the competitors from last year's event wearing Blind Veterans UK tops
Last year's Carpers for Veterans competitors
Mark kneeling down by the water holding a large carp in his hands
Mark and his catch

As well as the bid to be crowned top angler, there will also be an opportunity to hook a great prize in the weekend’s raffle and auction which local businesses have donated generously towards.

Organiser Mark said:

“I served in the British Army for 30 years. I’m fortunate that I still have my health, but some people are not so lucky. I feel immensely proud to be able to do something to help those who have lost their sight whether that was during service or later in life.

“Every single one of the competitors feels that way too. We have a mix of serving military, veterans and civilians who take part and for some it really is the highlight of their angling calendar; they return each year."

In the first three years that the competition has been running, it has raised over £14,000 for our charity.

Would you like to show your support and help make the event even more successful this year?

Go to Mark's Just Giving page
“Carp angling is a passion for me. I’m able to raise money for a worthwhile charity while doing something I enjoy. I take huge satisfaction when the group of anglers turn up and are buzzing to get started. "
Mark
Event organiser

Mark says:

“For some of the veterans that take part, this event is an opportunity to spend 48 hours alongside other people with a military background and that means a lot to them.”

Would you like to find out how your special interest could raise money for our charity?

Email our Community Partnerships team