Gas Bett was left unable to use the left-hand side of his body after suffering a stroke seven years ago, but thanks to an ingenious fishing harness, he can now fish again.
The Lincoln angler was an avid carper but was unable to spend time on the bank following the debilitating stroke. However, when he was contacted by James Wardle of Tollenco – an innovative company that solves various problems through engineering – his life changed for the better.
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James showed Gaz an ingenious harness that he supplies to the British Disabled Angling Association, featuring a tube that the butt of the rod slots into, allowing anglers with limited use of their arms to continue fishing.
This acted like my left arm, holding the rod and allowing me to cast and play fish,” Gaz explained.
“It was a massive game changer and allowed me to fish on my own and put my head into a better place.”
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Gaz had been using the harness for nearly three years, when one day, he hooked a fish that pulled so hard it snapped it, but Gaz found was able to grip the rod with his left hand – the very hand he once had no use over.
“The harness has helped with my rehabilitation, and I’m now able to fish without it at all.”
Engineer James is unsurprisingly delighted by Gaz’s news.
“I never thought that this design could help rehabilitate,” he told us. “This is a great end to an emotional journey.”
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