Bob, of Heathhall, had a life changing fall at work in 2016 and only took up fly fishing in 2018.
Prior to the fall, Bob worked as a machine operator and also kept active playing golf and football.
The fall broke Bob’s back and shattered his discs. A father of two, Bob spent months in hospital recovering and endured 2 years of intense physiotherapy treatment to learn how to walk again. Bob was in a wheelchair for 2 years and remains unable to walk without the aid of crutches.
Bob said “I’ve been fishing for maybe five years now since, obviously since I had the accident, and I couldn’t really do much. It was my ex-girlfriend who talked me into trying fly fishing at Alderneuk Fishery. I came out and the owners Willie and Wilma were brilliant with me. I come out for an hour or two here and there just to get me out of the house.”
‘My mental health improved’
“My mental health improved greatly with getting out and doing something I enjoyed and it just kind of took off from there.”Three years ago, I qualified to fish for the competition but obviously, due to COVID it’s been postponed for two years but it’s now going ahead in June this year so I’m excited for that.”
The four-nation international takes place, this June, at the Lake of Menteith near Stirling.
Food Train Volunteer
Bob also works as a volunteer driver for Food Train. Bob said “Yeah when COVID first started, I thought, I know what it’s like being stuck in the house, not being able to do anything. So, I volunteered as a driver and I’ve been doing that for over two years now and I love it. It’s just quite humbling and you’re helping people.
Travel Costs
Bob has to regularly travel to the Lake of Menteith for practice and training sessions and rising fuel costs are proven very difficult as Bob only receives disability benefits.
A Just Giving Page has been set up to help cover Bob’s travelling costs for the championships.
Any amount is greatly appreciated and would help towards providing the fuel required for me to travel to the Lake of Menteith and back every week.
One partner. No competitors. Supporting local stories across the region.
