Pensioner's generous gift to Wythenshawe Park is no fisherman's tale

Kind-hearted pensioner Peter Bourne has donated his entire collection of fish – which include Koi carp, a tench and a 25 year-old, four-foot sturgeon to Wythenshawe Park.

Mr Bourne, aged 68, from Wythenshawe decided to donate his fish to the park after vandals caused devastation in the park's Horticultural Centre in May.

The incident received national condemnation - and nowhere more than in Wythenshawe where residents have rallied to show that the real spirit of the town.

Offers of help poured into the park after birds and fish were killed and windows were smashed in the horrific incident. From children to businesses the offers were diverse and immediate. Financial donors included Willow Park Housing Trust and Parkway Green Housing Trust, who both donated £5,000 each.

Mr Bourne says: "When I saw what happened I knew immediately that it would be a good thing to donate my fish to he park, where they can be enjoyed by a lot of people and youngsters in particular."

Prior to the vandalism incident Mr Bourne had decided he would have to look for a new home for the fish -including a sturgeon which he had for 25 years - but hadn't been able to find anyone he thought would look after the fish well.

"Me and my wife Jackie are pensioners and can't afford the cost of running all the pumps for the pond, so we knew it was time to say goodbye to them," he says. "I could have sold them privately - but I was never convinced that they would be cared for properly.

"I know the park have the expertise to look after them properly and they will be going to a lovely home."

Both Peter and Jackie, also aged 68, are retired retail managers. They now plan to enjoy time with their grandchildren and make regular trips to the park to see the sturgeon - dubbed 'sharky' by the youngsters, as regularly as possible.

"When I put them in the new pond at Wythenshawe Park I said goodbye to them, but really I had said my farewells a year earlier when I knew we would have to let the fish go. I think a lot of children will really enjoy the fish - some of them may never have seen big fish like Koi carp before."

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: "I'd like to pass on my thanks to Mr Bourne. His generosity is typical of the people of Wythenshawe, who are working with the park and all the members of the Real Lives campaign to show the real face of Wythenshawe. The park is an integral part of the community, enjoyed by countless residents and visitors, and these are the people who have shown it such heart-felt loyalty and support."

Help with moving the fish from Mr Bourne's home to Wythenshawe Park, was given for free by Aaron Lombardy of World of Water Aquatic Centre in Timperley.

Wythenshawe Park manager Steve West, said: "We've had an overwhelming response - people of all ages and backgrounds from Wythenshawe have reacted with their trademark kindness - giving their complete support, time and money to help us. We can't thank everyone enough."
 
The Horticultural Centre at Wythenshawe Park will be having an official reopening day on Saturday, 13 August.