Barry and Spider: Final Challenge
Record-breaking beater sets sights on 1,000 shoots
The legendary Barry Atkinson and his springer spaniel Spider, are at it again.
World-record breaking beater Barry has announced ‘the Final Challenge' for his Spider's Appeal, which is:
- To beat on 1000 different shoots (he has currently visited 286)
- To beat in 100 different counties (he has currently visited 69)
- To raise £1 million for charity (he has currently raised £102,400)
Barry became famous in the shooting world in 2003 when he set up his Spider's Appeal to raise funds for the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Charitable Trust and Cancer Research UK by beating on a different shoot every day of the shooting season. The same two charities will benefit from his ‘Final Challenge'
Barry reckons that his task will take several seasons to achieve. Spider, now aged 14, is still surviving his cancerous tumour but is enjoying retirement. His place in the beating line will be taken by Bay, a six year-old offspring.
Barry says: "I am getting older too and the sensible thing would be to stop these reckless adventures but when I think of the success of the appeal so far I feel compelled to make one last effort. Spider's survival is a good omen."
Every penny raised from Guns, beaters and others will benefit the two charities because corporate sponsorship is being sought to cover all Barry's expenses.
Brian Hayes, a Trustee of the NGO Charitable Trust, said: "We are honoured that Barry has again selected us as one of his two recipient charities. We wish him great success and encourage everyone to give him their support."
If you would like your shoot to be included in ‘Spider's 1000', or your company can help in any way, please call Barry on 01636 636377 or 0787 676 2351.