Big Fish Off donations making an immediate impact

Earlier this month, before Cambridge United’s FA Cup game against Chester, we were delighted to welcome representatives from the six charities involved with the hugely successful ‘Big Fish Off’: showing our appreciation for Stadium Manager Ian Darler’s incredible achievement.

In September, Stadium Manager Ian Darler undertook the ‘Big Fish Off’ challenge of catching 220lbs of fish in just 12 hours, a challenge that Ian went on to smash by an astounding 154lbs. Ian raised over £12,000 for six local charities; CPSL MIND, Arthur Rank Hospice, E.A.C.H. Hospices, Wood Green Pets Charity, Little Buds and Cambridge United Foundation.

Thanks to the donations raised, the six charities have now been able to put that money into action, helping to create a real impact in the community:

CPSL MIND will use the donation to support, develop and grow their vital services across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire. They said the following about Ian’s work:

“We are so grateful to Ian for everything that he has achieved over the last couple of years for CPSL Mind. His sheer determination and commitment to support CPSL Mind and to support his local community continues to astound us and we can’t express our thanks and gratitude enough for all his hard work.”

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity very kindly sent a thank you letter and present to Ian – the donation is being used to make a real impact for future patients and their loved ones across Cambridgeshire.

Little Buds have already used some of their donation to purchase sensory toys and fund days out for the children in their care including a ‘meet the animals’ day.

Wood Green have invited Ian to their Godmanchester site to showcase what the donation will be spent on.

Lastly, E.A.C.H., have also extended an invitation for Ian to their open day where they will show him the work they do and the impact his donation will have.

Cambridge United Foundation will use Ian's donation to support the programmes we run for young people, adults and older adults in Cambridgeshire, helping to enhance the lives of people in the local community.

We are delighted that all the charities have benefited from the donations and once again, a massive congratulations to Ian on his amazing achievement.