Veterans support charity hosts fishing event

Veterans support charity hosts fishing event

25 August 2021

THE Let’s Do Veterans Support charity recently welcomed a group of 18 disabled service veterans last week for a day’s fishing at Kennedy’s Lake near Clough.

They from the BLESMA charity, which supports limbless veterans, and were accompanied by their outreach officer, Fiona Morrison.

The trip had been planned some time ago, but was put on hold owing to the pandemic.

Lets’s Do Veterans Support organiser Robert Maxwell said he was delighted to welcome the visitors and described it as an opportunity to “road test” the facilities at Kennedy’s Lake.

“It also is a learning curve for us as we would like to reach out to other organisations and groups to come here and get real benefit of what we can do as an organisation and charity to help other post pandemic,” he continued.

We know that the past two years has been challenging for all and for that reason we have continually upgraded Kennedy’s Lake to make it fit for purpose.

“Not only did we provide the fishing equipment but we had a dedicated fishing mentor on hand just to make the experience even more worthwhile . Catering was provided and we now have a disabled toilet on site which is very helpful.”

Mr Maxwell said he was looking forward to organising trip for disabled visitors from the Isle of Man next month.

He said his charity can offer overnight accommodation for up to four individuals and is looking to provide further facilities, including a day room and shower room.

“It has been a difficult year regarding fundraising and donations are always welcome to support our continued work,” he said.

Mr Maxwell said future events would hopefully include a trip to the Isle of Man TT races and boating and sea fishing trips from Killough.