The Big Fish Off is BACK for 2026!
04/02/26, 12:00
After raising £2,000 for CPSL Mind in 2024, and then £13,000 in 2025 for 6 local charities, the Big Fish Off is back for 2026...
The event is organised by Kevin Johnson of CB Groundworks & Construction Ltd, in partnership with Cambridge United Foundation and Cambridge Charity Fundraisers.
This year, Cambridge United Stadium Manager and Head Groundsman, Ian Darler BEM, will attempt to catch 200lb of fish in 10 hours - the equivalent of a 14.2 stone person, with an independent verifier on site to confirm the total weight caught.
This year's fundraising target is £10,000. Kevin Johnstone has pledged to donate £1,000 if public donations reach £5,000, plus an additional £500 if Ian lands 250lbs of fish.
Event date: Thursday 16th July 2026
Location: Frasers Fishery, Little Downham, Ely
Funds raised will be shared equally among four local charities:
Cambridge United Foundation
Cambridge United Foundation is the official charitable arm of Cambridge United Football Club, using the power of sport to inspire, support, and improve lives across Cambridgeshire. Working with people of all ages and backgrounds, the Foundation delivers programmes focused on education, physical and mental wellbeing, inclusion, and community cohesion. From school-based initiatives and disability sport to mental health support and employability programmes, they aim to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Funds raised will help the Foundation continue to make a lasting, positive impact in local communities.
East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH)
EACH provides specialist palliative care for babies, children, and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia. Their three Outstanding-related hospices and community teams offer expert nursing, short breaks, therapies, counselling, and vital end-of-life and bereavement support. Last year, they cared for 777 individuals and delivered over 89,000 hours of support - but with only 15% of funding from government sources, EACH must raise £8 million each year. It costs £10,000 to run a hospice for a single day. Your donation helps ensure families receive comfort, dignity, and hope when they need it most.
Cambridge Acorn Project
When children and families have experienced trauma and abuse, Cambridge Acorn Project gives them what they need to recover. Trauma can steel opportunities, they work to break that injustice by providing panoramic packages of meaningful long-term and therapeutic support.
CPSL Mind
A leading local mental health charity, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind supports people in their road to recovery from mental health challenges, promotes positive mental health and campaigns against stigma and discrimination. CPSL Mind believe that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone.
Ian Darler said: "Every pound raised makes a difference. I'm looking forward to yet another challenge and hope the community will yet again get behind it to support these four fantastic local charities who do so much for the community."