Maggie’s Dundee has netted £1,835 of vital support from Angus anglers in the latest stage of a longstanding link to the cancer charity.
For more than a decade, Rescobie Loch, near Forfar has been the scenic setting for an annual fundraising fishing competition.
The pandemic put paid to the 2020 event.
But the anglers were back out again this year and the latest donation takes their overall total to around £15,000.
As the Angus trout loch heads towards the season’s conclusion this weekend, the Rescobie boathouse was the setting for the cash handover.
Event held for past 12 years
Organiser John Henderson said: “We are mostly pensioners and have been holding the event for twelve years.
He said: “It all began when one of our former members used the Maggie’s Centre when his wife became very ill.”
The angling pal moved away, but the friends were determined to continue their support for the Ninewells-based centre.
“After he left the country, Jim Moncur and I decided to keep the competition going,” John added.
“Due to the virus we missed last year.
“And this year we just managed to fit it in as we normally hold the competition in July.”
Strong support
He said: “We have very good support from Central Industrial Services and Angus Angling and also many members.
“This year we sold various items of angling equipment and had a grand raffle.
“And without the generosity of Rescobie Loch Development Association who donate the boats we couldn’t have raised the grand total of £1,835.
“To date we must have raised about £15,000 for the centre,” said John.
And while the fundraising aspect is the most important part of the event, the competition is always closely fought.
This year’s winners were Alan Wood, John Henderson, Sye Gall and Harry Foster.
Local fundraiser Margaret McKay collected the donation as the anglers gathered at the loch.
“The anglers have always been very generous in their support of Maggie’s and it is much appreciated,” she said.
“They also have a collection can in the boathouse and put money in to help the charity.
“It’s been a difficult time for all charities so this is a nice amount to receive.”
Margaret, who has been a Maggie’s volunteer for six years, said fundraising events are picking up again.
“I have been doing the Maggie’s collection cans but one of the things I’ve noticed since the pandemic is that people are not using money so much – it’s all cards now.
“At least we are now able to be out and about and have a Maggie’s stand at different events.”
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