Netting funds for organisation
“It’s brilliant to have this donation, really fantastic. I value any support, especially so if it’s local.”
That was the reaction from Andy Smith of Get Hooked on Positive Activities (GHoPA), a not-for-profit social enterprise who have been presented with a cheque for £500.
The organisation offers several activities, such as fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and golf, for some of the most socially disadvantaged, vulnerable and challenging people in the area.
The money will now go towards providing new fishing equipment for disabled people, such as seat boxes that offer extra mobility.
Andy said: “The new equipment enables disabled people to fit on to these seat boxes properly and have better mobility.
“We have other equipment, but it isn’t catered for the disabled, and there’s no designated lake for them to enjoy fishing either.
“I am proud of what we do here, and extremely proud of the fishing program. I believe in what we do.
“It’s brilliant to have this donation, really fantastic. I value any support, especially so if it’s local.
“I don’t like feeling useless, if I have a disabled client and I can’t help them, then I feel desperate – so now hopefully we can provide a solution to that problem.”
The group is planning to open a new fishing lake at Millennium Park in Humberston Avenue.
This would provide an environment for disabled people in North East Lincolnshire to enjoy fishing, which would be the first of its kind.
Andy added: “The Disabled Angling Project teaches them new techniques, gives them a life skill, and promotes alternative therapy rather than drugs.
“Fishing has changed a lot as well, now anyone can get involved.
“But there isn’t a disabled service in the entire East of England, so if we can provide something here in Grimsby it would be an amazing opportunity for disabled people from all over the area.”
Mrs Ross, who presented the £500 cheque on behalf of the John Ross MBE Community Trust Fund, was clearly impressed with the work that was going on at GHoPA.
She said: “Andy’s passion certainly comes shining through.
“We thought the money would give an insight to children, adults and disabled people to get out and enjoy themselves by taking up a new sport – that’s what brought us here.
“There are obviously a lot of things going on here, and I am pleased that we can help and contribute to the community.
“I am impressed with the group, the work they do is amazing.”