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A man from Cannock is putting a childhood hobby to use, to raise thousands of pounds for veterans. Paul Brown, aged 48 and from Hednesford, has been organising angling competitions for the past three years now and has already raised £38,000 to support Help for Heroes.
Paul was inspired by his dad Anthony Brown, who was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and took him fishing to the local canal when he was young. Paul said: “I’ve always had an interest in angling from being young and as I got older, I found it was the best way for me to relax and unwind.
“From talking to military people, including my dad, I realised how much fishing can help veterans who are managing stress and anxiety, and so I thought I’d organise an event, which also raises funds to support veterans, and that veterans can participate in – and it’s taken off from there. It takes a lot of organising, but you could say I’m hooked!”
The latest angling match, The Big Fish 2025, took place at Tunnel Bank Farm, and was supported by Coventry-based Tudor Environment Ltd. Over 70 participants were joined by professional anglers Andy Bennett, Callum Dicks and Mark Pollard. The competition was won by Royal Navy veteran, David Fearnley.
It’s about giving back to those who’ve sacrificed so much."
Managing Director, Tudor Environmental
“This event goes beyond rods and reels,” said Stephen Beresford, Managing Director of Tudor Environmental. “It’s about giving back to those who’ve sacrificed so much. Nature offers peace and purpose, and fishing provides a unique kind of therapy for many veterans.
Paul added: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part, donated, and helped to make the event such a powerful day of purpose, peace, and unity.”
Karen Jamieson, who is a Veterans’ Community Nurse said: “I know from the veterans I work with that fishing can be really positive and supports with both their physical and mental health – and I enjoy fishing myself. We’re really grateful for the support of Paul and everyone at Tudor Environmental – the money raised will make a huge difference to the people we support.”
If you would like to show your support, you can donate online via https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-tudorbigfish2025