Chronic arthritis had brought Andy Holland's career as a football referee to a premature halt but in his native Tyneside he found solace in fly-fishing as a sport he could continue to enjoy.
Glaswegian Harry Birney, also disabled by severe arthritis, discovered that with special light-weight fly fishing rods, he could pursue his love of trout fishing.
So when they won the opportunity to try river fishing for salmon on a private wheelchair-accessible "beat" in Scotland, it was a dream come true and the realisation of their ambition.
Accompanied by their wives they were made welcome at the luxurious Westin Turnberry Resort Hotel where the finest food and accommodation was to be theirs during the week.
"The Fly Fishing Experience" was created by Clos-O-Mat (inventors of the world-famous automatic wc/shower toilet) together with sister company Total Hygiene Ltd, who specialise in bathroom products for people with special needs.
There were two winners. Andy Holland, the first prize winner (accompanied
by his wife, Sandra) enjoyed three days fly-fishing and four nights accommodation.
Harry Birney (also with his wife Kathleen) enjoyed two days fishing with
three nights accommodation in the same top class hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner were included and a snack lunch provided at the Fishing
Lodge each day.
The Fly Fishing Experience took place during w/com Sunday 5 August 2007.
Entry to the competition was absolutely FREE but open only to people with special needs.
The River Doon is well known as a salmon and sea trout river . It rises in the West of Scotland's southern uplands flowing through beautifully wooded countryside with many productive salmon beats along its 23 miles.
Smithston Fishings is very exclusive and is available to only a handful of fly-fishers each week. It comprises some thirty-three named and varied pools. Levelled areas close to a number of the pools have been created so that wheelchair occupants can fish in safety.
Andy & Harry were full of praise for the fantastic experience they enjoyed at Turnberry and at the River Doon where Ghillie Freddie Taylor was very helpful with his tuition and encouragement.
Referring to their good luck, Andy said: " You gave us an experience that was second to none". Harry said "We will never forget our time here".!
Total Hygiene's "Fly Fishing Experience" has the whole-hearted co-operation of the English Disabled Fly Fishers, the Scottish Lame Ducks and their Welsh and Irish equivalents. These organisations are at the heart of disabled fly-fishing.
For details of next year's event, contact Total Hygiene Ltd, 182/186 Washway Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 6RN Tel 0800 374076. E-mail: info@total-hygiene.co.uk