By
Paul Hastie
 WE’RE always fishing for kind donations to our Sick Children’s appeal, and one man has a great idea to reel in a few more.
 Gordon Duncan
(right) from Kinloch Rannoch in Perthshire wrote to us last week with a
£50 cheque to help our hospitals.
Every gift makes a difference, but Gordon reckons he has a way to net a big campaign catch — a charity fishing contest.
The 55-year-old handyman lives a stone’s throw from the banks of Loch Rannoch, the perfect venue for an angling challenge.
Scenery
The loch is 10 miles long and surrounded by some of Scotland’s most incredible scenery. More importantly, the waters teem with trout, pike, perch, char and even
the occasional salmon, making it a superb spot for sport fishing.
Gordon and his pals at the Rannoch angling club are regular visitors to the loch, and enjoy the fantastic bank fishing for “brownies” — that’s brown trout for the uninitiated.
With preparations under way for the May fishing season, Gordon is throwing down the gauntlet to other Scots anglers. Who will challenge the Rannoch boys in a charity angling challenge? It promises to
be a wonderful day out.
Gordon explained, “It would be great to hold a competition to help the appeal. We often have some friendly contests with other clubs in the area, but I’d love to hear from other anglers who’d want to come to try out the fishing here.
“The event should be good fun, and it’ll raise money for the hospitals too.”
It seems fun is a top priority of the Rannoch club. Gordon admits his friends give him the affectionate nickname “Blank Gordon” on the days when his catches are particularly scarce.
Humour
He takes it in good humour, as over the years he’s done enough to prove his angling ability. Gordon began fishing as a minnow at just 10 years old, under the guidance of his father and uncle.
He and wife Lynne are now grandparents and Gordon has made sure the family fishing line continues.
“I took my three children fishing when they were young,” said Gordon, “And now I’m getting to do the same with their children.”
“I went out with my eight-year-old granddaughter for the first time last year and she was able to catch a wee fish. I’ve twin grandsons who are just two, but I’ll take them out when the time is right.”
Gordon takes great joy in his grandchildren and considers himself fortunate that his family has never needed hospital treatment. That’s why he wants to help our Sick Children’s Appeal.
Gordon would love to hear from other anglers who can join him for a friendly fishing contest at Loch Rannoch in May.
If you’re interested, contact Gordon on 07795 101187.
 IF YOU have a special reason for contributing to or raising funds
for our appeal then we’d like to hear from you. It could be that you’d like to thank caring staff for the treatment they’ve provided in your hour of need.
Or perhaps a relative spent time in one of Scotland’s children’s hospitals and the experience has left a lasting impression
on your family’s life.
Whatever the reason, please let us know.
We’d be delighted to share your experiences with our readers.
And, who knows, it may inspire others to follow in your
fundraising footsteps.
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