ANGLER Mark Bradley feared his fishing days could be over when he suffered a stroke.

He was left with severely restricted use of his left arm.

But thanks to the Airedale branch of a national group, which creates custom-made equipment to help people with disabilities, Mark has been able to continue pursuing his passion of more than 40 years.

Volunteers from Remap came up with a device to overcome the challenge Mark faced reeling in his catch.

Branch chairman Vaughan Stell – a qualified engineer – produced a universally-jointed tubular mounting for the fishing rod which can be strapped to Mark’s chest, freeing-up one arm.

“When I had the stroke last year I was seriously worried that I wouldn’t be able to fish again,” said Mark. The community stroke team based at Airedale Hospital contacted Remap.

“When Vaughan came-up with this device I was over the moon,” said Mark. “Last week I landed a 12lb carp – and it’s all thanks to Remap!”

Vaughan said the group was delighted to be able to help.

He said: “The appliance we produced for Mark is typical of the projects we get involved in.

“We are an active group of retired engineers and other volunteers who enjoy a challenge and are keen to take on more work and help disabled people in the Airedale area.

“Other devices we have made recently include a lever-operated adaption to a chair enabling a lady with multiple sclerosis to raise her foot to help with dressing, a simple hand-held device so someone can turn the pages of a book or newspaper and a special embroidery hoop so a lady with a disabled arm can continue to enjoy her passion.”

Nationally, Remap produces hundreds of pieces of equipment a year, all specially-designed to help people with disabilities achieve independence and follow their dreams. Airedale Remap covers Skipton and the Dales, Keighley and Ilkley.

The group has a specially-designated medical professional panel member, Dawn Osborne, who can be contacted via the mobility services department at Airedale Hospital on 01535 292228 or Dawn.Osborne@anhst.nhs.uk. Contact Vaughan on remapairedale@gmail.com.