Marathon effort for fishing community

By gware ginny ware gware@heraldexpress.co.uk

DEEP sea fishing is a hazardous occupation, 10 times more dangerous than mining.

Every year, 28 fishing boats are sunk and 114 British fishermen killed or seriously injured.

One busy local welfare organisation which has picked up the pieces for family, shipmates and friends for more 125 years is the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen at Brixham.

In support of their work, South Devon fleet spokesman Jim Portus, of the South Western Fish Producers Organisation, is running the Taunton Marathon on April 11, and is actively seeking sponsors.

It will be the 10th time Jim has made the effort of running 26 miles in aid of the fishing welfare charity, for which he has already raised £27,000 over the years.

He said: "I'm passionate about fish and seafood, but I'm even more concerned about the welfare of our fisherfolk throughout the UK.

"The UK fishing industry has experienced significant job losses over recent years.

"There are many elderly retired fishermen and also the families of those who have been lost at sea or who have suffered injury at work.

"The mission family provides much-needed support in our fishing communities.

"This support takes many forms including Christian pastoral care and practical financial help as and when necessary.

"The need continues for a lifetime after tragedy strikes, so the mission's work is never completed.

"Please help me to help this most important of fishing community charities.

"With your generous help and donations I would like to raise even more and exceed £3,000 this year for the mission."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Jim can send a cheque made out to 'RNMDSF' and posted to Jim Portus, c/o SWFPO Ltd, 5 Pynewood House, 1a Exeter Road, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0FN or visit www.justgiving.com/Jim-Portus