In 2005 the first DT Carp comp was launced to raise much needed funds for the Disabilities Trust.

The Disabilities Trust is a fast-growing charity offering leading-edge personal care, special needs education, rehabilitation and specialist housing.
They offer high-quality, innovative services to:

Children and adults with autism
People with an acquired brain injury
Adults with a profound physical disability
Adults with a learning disability

I decided to raise money for the Trust as they are a local charity that manage to support a huge network of people who depend on their services. I would also be running my first London Marathon for them that year and this seemed the perfect way to raise the cash I wanted to raise to show my support.

Through the success of the competitions and the support of the many anglers and companies who continue to pledge their support we have raised nearly £8000 for the Trust.

Disabilities Trust Charity Carp Challenge.

12 anglers arrived at Wintons Fishery greeted by glorious spring weather and a lake that as ever had been fishing well. All the lads seemed ready for the challenge and the rivalry had already started long before the comp with the lads swapping banter on the forum. Dan Essery was back to try and better his second place from the previous year after landing a stunning 39lb+ catfish on the second day. However the ever present Neil Young and partner arrived early to suss out the water long before the others arrived.
The 12 anglers fished in pairs on mallard lake with the intention of landing the largest combined weight of Carp and Catfish in a 48 hour period.

There were a few new faces among the regular anglers this year and it created a great atmosphere before the draw. All the guys had pegs that they felt would produce the winning fish.
Dave Baker and John Paine drew the double swim, Neil and Simon drew pegs 1 and 3, Lee Morley found his team in pegs 20 and 18, Dan and Colin Essery drew 13 and 15, Phil and team mate drew 7 and 8 which left 11 and 12 for father and son team Ryan and Kevin Knight.

The first fish fell to Neil Young, a mid double common, that put Neil and Simon to the top of the board before dark on the first evening. Many of the other anglers feared the worst, especially when Neil banked another common. However Phil in peg 7 banked a cracking 37lb+ Catfish that put his team into top spot.

Not to be out done Dave Baker and John Paine started to catch fish over the bed of bait they had laid down on the first evening, creating a very tightly grouped leader board with very little to sperate the teams. Ryan knight and Father Kevin really sent the shock waves around the lake when they landed there second fish, a 45lb catfish that set a new pb for Kevin and for a time saw them steal second position.

Lee morley in peg 20 started to get among the fish using Carple baits wrapped in paste. Landing a koi and a couple of decent cats.
The fish seemed to be moving back to the top end of the lake for the second 24hrs as Dave and John set about trying to land every fish in the lake. However Neil and Simon fought back with a string of fish on the final afternoon topped with a 33lb catfish.

This wasnt enough though and Dave Baker and John Paine were crowned worthy winners of the 2007 DT charity carp challenge.

The competition is incrediibly lucky to be so widely supported by some of the countries top angling companies who supply us with a fantastic array of prizes.

This year we were able to offer 4 holidays from Extrema Fishing Spain, Carp Dream Fishing, Edens Lakes, and Twin Lakes, a selection of carp gear from Nash including 2 rod bags and a top of the range chair. Bait from The Bait and Feed Company, Pallatrax, Carp Company, and Hinders, as well as tackle from Korda and Coulsden Angling Center.

We are incredibly greatful to all our sponsors who so generously donate to our event year after year, without their support we couldnt raise the money that we do.