Fishing contest held in memory of Brierley Hill man raises record charity total

A memorial fishing contest held in memory of a young Brierley Hill man has raised a record £3,100 for suicide prevention charity The Legend on the Bench.

The ninth annual Olly Wilkes Memorial Fishing Contest took place at Elmbridge Fishery in Droitwich on Sunday, August 2, bringing together around 30 family members and friends to remember Olly Wilkes, who died in 2017 aged 22.

Fundraising continued later at The Vine Inn, Lyde Green, with a raffle, charity barbecue and DJ, supported by the local community.

Organiser Simon Wilkes, Olly's father, said he was overwhelmed by the support the event had received.

"The whole day went amazingly well. I just can't believe how much money a fishing contest has raised," he said.

"My wife Lynn, son Ben and myself are eternally grateful for the fantastic support yet again, all a legacy to our Olly."

The money raised will fund the installation of a Legend on the Bench suicide prevention bench at Stourbridge FC's War Memorial Ground.

Mr Wilkes said the location held special significance for the family, as it was where they spent their last day together before Olly's death while taking part in a charity football match in aid of Anthony Nolan and the MDS Patient Support Group.

He said: "It's such a fitting place to have one of these amazing benches installed. If sitting on it saves one life, we will have done another family proud."

A date for the official unveiling is yet to be confirmed, although it is provisionally planned for October 3, when Stourbridge FC are due to play Racing Club Warwick at home.

Dan Tasewych won this year's fishing contest, with Mick Dixon finishing second and Ben Potter third.