NeuroMuscular Centre’s fishing days provide unmatched angling opportunities

The NeuroMuscular Centre (NMC) in Winsford, Cheshire is breaking down barriers with its inclusive fishing days, which attract both beginner and returning anglers from the North West of England and the Midlands.

Now in its fifth year, the volunteer-led fishing group provides a unique opportunity for individuals with neuromuscular conditions, which include muscular dystrophy, to engage in a hobby that many thought they would have to give up. 

Credit: NMC Centre

The Angling Trust’s Regional Angling Development Officer, Darren Birch, first became involved in the project, supported by a local community of anglers, five years ago when he was approached by the group’s fundraising assistant, Paul Baddeley. 

Darren says: “Paul from NMC contacted me about four or five years ago with the idea of getting clients involved in fishing and exploring what support the Angling Trust could offer. 

“I assisted them in submitting a bid to the Sport England Together Fund for the first season to acquire suitable equipment and supplies for running several sessions. 

“Since then, NMC’s fishing initiative has progressed tremendously, and it’s been wonderful to see participation grow. 

“Each session now hosts around 20 anglers, along with support staff and volunteers from a local angling club. 

“I attend the sessions whenever I can to provide support and help further develop the club. This group highlights a significant boost for diversity in angling and educates other anglers on how fishing can be a truly inclusive sport, accommodating diverse needs.”

This initiative has not only enhanced diversity in angling but also educates other anglers on how fishing is a truly inclusive sport, meeting a wide range of needs.

Ben Edson, CEO of the NeuroMuscular Centre says: “Perhaps the most important aspect of our fishing days is that they provide an opportunity for our community to engage in an activity that previously was not possible for them.

“Many within our community have been keen anglers all their lives, and as their conditions have progressed, they may have had to give up angling. The fishing days enable them to carry on their much-loved hobby, to get out of their homes and spend a day in nature with friends and the community from NMC.”

In 2023, the event received funding from Sport England through the Angling Trust’s Together Fund, which enabled the centre to expand its offerings. Due to high demand, NMC aims to run one event every month, allowing even more people to benefit from the experience. 

The events are held at The Old Hough, Forge Mill Lane, Middlewich, a site chosen for its great selection of wheelchair accessible lakes. Finding a site with these features sadly wasn’t an easy task. 

The location boasts ample parking for wheelchair-adapted vans and space for volunteers to assist, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can participate.

The NMC’s Fundraising Assistant, Paul Baddeley, has been instrumental in the success of the events. The 57-year-old, who has Becker muscular dystrophy (MD) and uses a wheelchair, spearheads the recruitment of volunteers from the angling community through social media.

Paul says: “Fishing has always been a big part of my life, and I thought my diagnosis would put an end to that,” Paul shared. “Being able to continue fishing and helping others do the same has been incredibly rewarding. The response from volunteers has been fantastic, and it’s heartening to see how many people want to support our community.”

Credit: NMC Centre

The fishing days not only provide an enjoyable pastime for those with neuromuscular conditions, which include muscular dystrophy, but also embraces community inclusion. The events are designed to accommodate varying levels of ability, ensuring that everyone, from seasoned anglers to first-timers, can participate and enjoy a day out by the water.

The NeuroMuscular Centre is hopeful about securing further funding to expand the fishing days. The aim is to continue providing these enriching experiences monthly and to further develop facilities and support systems to make the events even more accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

The NeuroMuscular Centre is always on the look-out for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Paul at [email protected] or 01606 861733.