As anglers, we know that the overall fishing community is a positive one, with most individuals eager to promote the benefits of angling and help out where they can.
Dan Hockaday exemplifies this spirit. Not only is he a Learning Disability Nurse for the NHS, but he’s also an avid angler who organises social events and charity fundraisers to support the wider community through his love of fishing.
“I have seen firsthand, both personally and professionally, the benefits of angling for individuals with various disabilities and how valuable this can be for their health. In my spare time, I organise social fishing events for large groups,” Dan shared.
Dan’s interest in supporting individuals with disabilities led him to learn about SNAP, and he decided it was the perfect charity to support.
“Having worked in the NHS for over 20 years with individuals with learning disabilities and autism, I see daily how integral charities like SNAP (Supporting, Nurturing and Partnering) are to families. I also understand the pressure on these organisations to deliver services, which depends heavily on financial support," he explained.
"With this event, I had three main goals: to raise awareness of SNAP’s work, to generate funds for their services, and to use angling to provide a voice for those they support while also promoting the health benefits for anglers.”
The angling community responded enthusiastically, with competition spots quickly selling out. Well-known anglers, including Luke Stevenson, lent their support, and major tackle and angling businesses helped sponsor the event.
Held over the last weekend in September at Suffolk Water Park, the competition saw 35 anglers take to the big lake. The event attracted numerous visitors and fellow anglers who soaked up the fantastic atmosphere. Sunday concluded with winners announced and the event’s incredible achievement of raising £4,730.50 for SNAP.
SNAP’s Community Fundraiser, Sami Shulton, said, “I am completely blown away by Dan’s dedication and passion, as well as the angling community's support. It was amazing to see everyone come together for friendly competition in support of SNAP.
"We are hugely grateful to everyone who contributed their time, prizes, and sponsorships, which will enable families across Essex to continue to rely on SNAP,” Sami added.
Dan reflected on the event’s success, saying, “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to coordinate the 2024 SNAP Carp Event."
"So many people made this possible, and it was inspiring to see everything come together for such a fantastic weekend," he said.
"My initial goal was to raise awareness and funds for SNAP, and this event exceeded my expectations, laying the foundation for future events. Preparations for the 2025 SNAP Carp Event are already underway, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
Congratulations to the Winners:
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Danny Casselden – 2024 SNAP Champion and Baitmonkey Biggest Mirror Carp
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Stephen Schooley – Essex County Angling Biggest Common Carp Award
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Glen Bradley – Section Winner
Special Thanks to: Headline sponsor Nash Tackle, Suffolk Water Park, Luke Stevenson, Baitmonkey, Essex County Angling, Gardner Tackle, Rod Hutchinson, Korda, Wolf International, Speero, Lead Head, Carp Addiction, ESP, Atomic Tackle, Aqua Lilium Clothing, Taylor’d Sweets, Dean Cooper, Halo Baits, Dean Hillings, Olz Cheyne, Simon Leighton, Stephen Prior, Dean Duffy, Simon and Bonnie Edwards, Chris Burch, Hayley Clapperton, Nick Cunnell, Kirsty Jones, and Alex Luscombe for filming and photography.
More information on SNAP
Learn more about SNAP here: https://www.snapcharity.org/
