Fishing For Heroes

“I was supporting a client within the Op-Courage enhanced team who was socially isolated and was struggling to get out. After referring onto Fishing for heroes he was contacted very quickly and his first fishing session booked. After returning from his fishing trip his mood was completely lifted and he could not wait to attend the next session. From continued attendance too fishing for heroes there has been such a positive change and the client is now able to push his self to engage in more social activites within his local area.”

Estelle Hodgson, Veteran liaison support officer – Op-courage enhanced team

“Dear Paul,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say a huge thank you for what you did for me this week, and to ask you to pass on my sincere thanks to Lee, Austin, Geoff and the other guys at Ladybower.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet the team – all of whom made me feel so welcome allaying my anxieties. The ‘banter’ between Richard, Lee and Pete was quite special, testament to how close the team is.

The fishing was brilliant and I learnt so much. Not once did I ever feel judged or made to feel inadequate. The guys were so knowledgeable and patient, and I sensed their desire for me to succeed, this was evident when I caught a fish at Ladybower and Chatsworth.

I leave with so many special memories, hopefully a new ‘band of brothers’ and an outlet which will provide me with a focus, going forward. I feel rejuvenated and positive; I haven’t felt like this for a while.

We (service personnel) are not the hero’s, we just went and did what we joined to do. What you do is a wonderful thing, in my mind you are the hero ‘mending broken people’. I hadn’t spoken about my ‘demons’ with anyone since I attended Tidworth, it’s not been easy so thank you for listening to me.

One again, thank you so much for what you and the team have done for me. I look forward to helping Fishing for Hero’s’ in any way I can, to meet the rest of the team and joining up at a Craft meeting,
Best,”

VM MBE