A dad has spoken of his grief at not being able to visit his dying nan before she died.
Mark Myers said watching her health battle during covid took a toll on his mental health. The 35-year-old says his nan’s sudden illness triggered his mental health to decline.
He said: "I was by a lake fishing, and I got a phone call to say she was extremely poorly and didn’t have long to live. Just after the call my alarm went on my fishing rod, it switched my mind from being upset and feeling really down to focusing on the fish and catching it.
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"She passed away a week or so later, it was the time when covid was extremely high risk so I couldn’t go and visit her. I spent most of my childhood growing up with her, she was my idol and my life."
After Beryl's death, Mark wanted to start a project to pass on his coping strategies to others who may be struggling with their mental health as well.
While furloughed from work during the pandemic, the dad started 'Fishingthemind', he said: "I never thought anything would help me the day I lost my nan, but fishing has helped massively. It’s helped me stay focused, being in the fresh air and interacting with nature really clears your mind.”
The community interest group has social fishing meet-ups around Liverpool and in local parks or fisheries around the North West. Mark said: "We have equipment and bait for people to use, free of charge. I want people to come along and get the benefits of what it can do for you.”
Mark started a GoFundMe page which has raised almost £1,000 for equipment and bait to use during the ongoing social meet-ups. He said: “I started by paying out of pocket for all the equipment, my friends suggested I started a GoFundMe page. The donations have been unbelievable, and they help me fund the future meet ups.”
Fishingthemind also won the recent Liverpool Soup Event on April 8, winning a total of £1,700 which Mark is hoping to spend on a defibrillator. He said: “Hopefully [the defibrator] won’t be needed but it’s an essential piece of kit to take to secluded areas that may be difficult for ambulances to get to. It could be a lifeline and make more people comfortable too.”
The group is for all ages and for anyone who may be struggling. He added: “There was a guy who came to the last meet-up who said he was so excited for it, he had been stuck in his flat for days and missed his family. He really opened up to the Facebook group and it really showed that there were people there for each other.
“It’s not just about fishing, it’s about the build-up to the events and meeting new people."
The next meet up is happening on May 1 at Green Bank Park, starting at 9:30am.
