After fishing turned out to be the saving grace during his recovery from a decade of mental health struggles and alcohol addiction, an Englishman wanted to hook others on the soothing sport—and now his program is a medicine being prescribed by doctors.

Founded five years ago, the service staffed by fishing volunteers, has partnered with the UK’s National Health Service, to prescribe angling for anxiety and depression.

“If it wasn’t for fishing I don’t think I’d be here,” he admitted in an interview with SWNS news agency.

His program gained national recognition last month when it was honored by King Charles—winning the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the business equivalent of an MBE.

“I’m just ecstatic!” said Dave Lyons, the founder of Tackling Minds.

“I feel very, very proud of t

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