Four friends who endured freezing conditions during a 48-hour fishing marathon only caught one fish -- but raised nearly £380 for the Oxford Children's Hospital appeal.

Anthony Walden who went fishing for 48 hours for charity

Anthony Walden was inspired to organise the event after reading about schoolgirl Zo Mace's fundraising efforts.

Nine-year-old Zo plans to raise £18,000 for the campaign by releasing a CD dedicated to her younger sister, Jodie, who has Down's syndrome and three holes in her heart.

The men braved the elements for a non-stop fishing session at Linear Fisheries, near Stanton Harcourt, earlier this month.

Mr Walden, 25, of St John Street, Oxford, joined cousin Ben and friends Richard Brookes and Cain Weaver for the event.

He said: "We faced minus degrees and the coldest night of the year so far - it was very cold indeed, but we had a good time. Cain was the only person to catch anything in 48 hours - a 6lb carp."

Mr Walden was supported by local bait suppliers Richworth, Maggots End, Anglers Den and Roy Parsons, head bailiff at the fisheries, who waived the fishing fee as part of a donation to the charity.

He now plans to hold a pike fishing contest in February 2005 with the proceeds going to the children's hospital.

The most important part of any fundraising campaign are the people who give their time and money to help reach a goal. If you plan to raise money for the Children's Hospital let the fundraisers know on 01865 222807.