AN ANGLER whose wife died of Motor Neurone Disease is hoping to raise thousands to help others with the devastating condition through a fishing contest he is organising near York tomorrow.

Graham Walker, of Newton-on-Derwent, says he promised his wife Anne he would do something in her name and came up with the idea of the match, which has become an annual event at Pool Bridge Farm, Crockey Hill, after raising almost £6,000 last year.

He said that before she died in July 2016, Anne was increasingly reliant on equipment to move around and communicate.

“Much of this was provided by the NHS but she had to fund a lot of things herself,” he said. “She was fortunate enough to be able to do this but lots of MND sufferers are not in this position and before she died I promised that I would try to make a difference in her name.”

He said that as well as the match, the Angling Trust would be holding a family fishing day, at which children, mums and dads could be taught by professional angling coaches how to catch a fish.

Sally Light, the chief executive of the MND association, who has moved to York and will take part in the event, said: “Our volunteers do some amazing things to raise funds and promote awareness of motor neurone disease.

“As someone who has recently moved to York, I am delighted to be part of this event. I have never fished before but maybe I will be hooked! You never know.”

Graham added that because of England’s World Cup game at 3pm, the fishing match would now finish at 2.30 pm and people would be able to watch the game.

“There are TVs on site and we are looking at the logistics of having one close to but not encroaching on the barbecue,” he added.

*To visit the fishing match website or to make a donation, go to http://proangler.org/