At the present time we are teaching fly fishing to so many veterans and service men and women that our courses are being held on an almost weekly basis. We are also taking veterans and serving personnel out on activity days, where we encourage them to take part in something new. We also teach fly tying and casting skills both as a therapeutic measure and to increase the level of understanding and enjoyment that these pastimes can offer.
Veterans on the Tweed
Fishing for Heroes recently funded and hosted a group of veterans salmon fishing on the Tweed for four days, all who participated agreed that it had made an incredible impact on their outlook on life, just by providing a buffer between them and the outside world. As a result of these fly fishing trips that Fishing for Heroes has organised and funded, we are now starting to establish a network of mentors across the country which will help to ensure that our veterans continue fishing.
The one to one aspect of our coaching is of enormous benefit to the individual veteran, our instructors say they gain as much from the experience as they do. All who come into contact with these men and women say they feel humbled and privileged to be able to work with them.
Tom Hill and a young soldier injured in Afghanistan
It all works because out on the water no one cares where you have come from or what your background is. The water is the great leveller and healer. Moments after this picture was taken Jake caught his first trout. His shattered hip was soon forgotten and a fisherman emerged.
These men are all currently serving and have recently returned from Afghanistan where they were part of The Counter Improvised Explosive Defence Task Force (CIED).
After returning from a horrendous tour in Afghanistan which saw many of their comrades left with “Life altering” injuries Fishing for Heroes provided the funding, equipment and location to enable 20 serving soldiers from 61 Field Sqn EOD to enjoy a days fishing and help with the healing process.
