While working across a number of schools, I noticed that there are many children that struggle in silence with their mental health, stress, anxiety and lack social skills. I wanted to do something about this.

From a very young age I always loved fishing and as I’ve grown up I’ve used it as a great break from the reality of day to day stresses. Connecting with nature is proven to help mental health. It is also a good place to build relationships with others and boost confidence.

With the support of my employers Testlands Support Project, I have started First Fish. The aim of the project is to identify vulnerable children who may be struggling and provide them a place to release their stress, improve their socal skills and hopefully give them a hobby when they have finished the course.

This couldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the incredible Whinwhistle Course Fishery. The excellent facitilties and staff is a perfect place to host this course and make new anglers within our schools.

I would love to see this project a success, it is something so important to me and that is why I have chosen to run 26.2 miles to raise as much money as I can for First Fish.

Please support, anyway you can. I know we are all worried about our finances going into the winter months but the children which we hope to support will be most effected by the cost of living crisis so anything you can spare to hopefully give them a life skill would be very much appreciated.