Pure Fishing, in Alnwick, made the kind-hearted gesture to Tyneside-based Momentum Skills, following the sickening theft which occurred earlier this year.
The thieves stole equipment used by the charity’s fishing group and the organisation feared that the angling sessions would have to stop as a result.
But thankfully, Pure Fishing – which bought the Hardy and Greys brands almost two-and-a-half years ago – stepped in. After hearing of the charity’s plight, the firm has donated products from the renowned Shakespeare brand, including rods, reels and seats. The coarse-fishing equipment was presented to representatives and users from the charity on Friday and Stephen Garrett, finance director for Pure Fishing, said the company was only too happy to help.
He told the Gazette: “We like to help local charities and we decided to replace all of the stolen equipment for them. We are delighted to be able to help – we like to support fishing wherever we can.”
Momentum’s members come from around the region and they fish at Leazes Park, in Newcastle.
Colin Boyd, from Longhoughton, is a volunteer with Momentum Skills and a volunteer champion with the Angling Trust. He said: “I would like to say a massive thank-you to Pure Fishing. The donation has enabled the group to carry on. The fishing is great therapy for the people who attend, offering them dexterity and helps them meet new people, because some are isolated.”
Dee Thompson-Held, who takes part in the fishing group, said: “Fishing relaxes my brain, it helps my movement and gives me the chance to meet new friends. I think Pure Fishing is wonderful.”
