HIS FISHING may have not been up to par, but Mike Rowe of Drewsteignton is certainly king when it comes to the fundraising stakes.
Mike has again raised a massive total for the Vranch House School and Centre for children with cerebral palsy in the charity?s 2002 Fly Fishing Challenge.
The fisherman?s contribution to the cause this year was £1,323, making his cumulative total over three years, £4,259.
The final of the fishing challenge took place at Tavistock Fishery recently where Mike came 16th out of 24 competitors.
?The fishing was hard work this year and I hope to do better than 16th in 2003, but the main thing is it all helps a good cause,? he said.
?I was the top fundraiser last year, but John Hern, of Exeter, came out on top on this occasion with £2,747, thanks to his efforts in the London Marathon.?
Mike said each year he managed to find extra sponsors but he was always supported by the local community when he held fundraising events in Drewsteignton.
?All the village has helped me raise this money and I am very grateful to the locals and all my other sponsors,? he said.
?Vranch House is a terrific cause and between all the fishermen and women a total of £16,588 was raised.?
Sue Gould, of Vranch House, who organised the challenge, said: ?This is our best year ever, the top two fundraisers have excelled themselves and a record 50 anglers raised over £100 each.
?On behalf of the children who benefit I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the anglers, fisheries, sponsors and the press for their excellent coverage.?