Following huge success in 2024 and 2025, the 'Big Fish Off' returned for a third consecutive year yesterday, with Ian Darler BEM reeling in a handsome return for 4 local charities!
Yesterday, Ian Darler - Cambridge United Stadium Manager and Head Groundsman - put his angling skills to the test once again during the 'Big Fish Off' as he sought to catch 200lbs of fish and raise as much as possible for 4 local charities.
Ian fished tirelessly for over 9 and a half hours, and by the time he set down his rod at 6pm, he had brought in a whopping 397lbs of fish (smashing his 200lbs target) and so far has raised just over an incredible £7,500.
This total will continue to rise as donations come in from those that have pledged to donate if Ian reached his target. If you'd like to support Ian in completing this incredible achievement, donations can be made by clicking here.
The funds raised will be shared equally between Cambridge United Foundation, East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH), Cambridge Acorn Project, and CPSL Mind.
When interviewed after the event, Ian said, “A special thanks to a few people who have been really generous, 4T Medical, Angling Direct, Kev Johnson at CB Groundworks. I know from the comments I've had from the charities we're working with that this money will be massive for them.”
A huge thank you to sponsors for this event - Angling Direct, 4T Medical, CB Groundworks and Fraser's Fishery for letting Ian use the Fishery to complete the challenge.
Congratulations to Ian on his massive success, and thank you to everyone who has donated.
Read more about the benefitting charities below:
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.
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.
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.