Yozzer R.I.P.

Not my words but says it all really from John who was with him yesterday at Lindholme.....

"It is with profound sadness that I must let you know of the death of Ian 'Yozza' Hughes (The Garden Gnome off this site) at yesterday's Garbolino club angler qualifier at Lindholme. Ian had a suspected second heart attack whilst packing up at the end of the match and he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

For those of you who didn't know Ian he was a much loved and well respected member of the northwest veteran's match circuit fishing regularly at Lingmere at Hampton Springs. He was also a pivotal member of Egremont Ferry Angling Society and our matches and meetings will never be quite the same without his banter and wind-ups. He was a top class angler with wins at many Whiteacres residents matches and having, I think, two previous Garbolino qualifier wins under his belt and a second in the final. Most of all though he was very good friend with a brilliant upbeat outlook on life despite his health problems. 

I would like to thank the fellow anglers who dived into Laurels to rescue Ian when he fell in and then performed CPR while waiting for the ambulance. We weighed Ian's catch in at the end of the match because I know without doubt that that is what he would have wanted. I'd like to thank Darren Cox and the other guys on the scales for that. Ian came second in his section by ounces but still would have had a smile on his face after a good day's fishing. 

I would also like to give my heartfelt thanks to Neil and Arron Grantham and their wives for the compassionate hospitality they showed to myself and two of Ian's fishing partners, Nick and Eric, while we waited for the police and coroner to arrive.

I know it sounds like a cliché but Ian really did die doing what he loved and in I take some solace from this terrible day.

Rest in peace mate, you will be sorely missed"