Two eaters emerge victorious from outsized fish and chip dinner in Whistler's charity challenge on St George’s Day

CHARITY champions faced down huge plates of fish and chips in a bid to raise funds for important causes.

By Emily Jessica Turner

Published 24th Apr 2021, 16:15 GMT

Updated 24th Apr 2021, 20:24 GMT

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Four hungry locals with big hearts faced off in an ‘Eat Off’ challenge hosted by Whistler’s Fish and Chips, which has shops in Westbourne and Hayling Island

Contests were held at both locations yesterday evening, and participants had to tackle a very large 32oz serving of cod with approximately 30oz of chips, bread and butter, and mushy peas in the quickest time possible.

In a grand tradition of the business holding St George’s Day charity events, Whistler’s promised to donate £500 cash to a charity or cause close to the winning participant’s heart.

Whistler's staff with competitors Andrew Halliday and Vinny Murphy. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Whistler's staff with competitors Andrew Halliday and Vinny Murphy. Picture: Habibur Rahman

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Westbourne’s winner was Vinnie Murphy, who was raising funds for the South East Hampshire branch of charity Off The Record.

Rana Denholm, joint owner of Whistler’s, said: ‘It was brilliant, the contestants did amazingly well.

‘The competition in Westbourne was won by a fraction - we actually had to weigh the food to see who won.

Competitor Vinny Murphy prepares for his meal. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Competitor Vinny Murphy prepares for his meal. Picture: Habibur Rahman

‘You could see the pain in their faces as they got through the food.

‘Winner Vinnie actually split the prize money with the runner up Andrew Halliday, who was supporting Rowans Hospice.’

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Over in Hayling Island, champion Phil Boxall took the prize for his cause, The Donkey Sanctuary.

Whistler's Fish and Chip shop in Westbourne as competitors Andrew Halliday and Vinny Murphy tackle their plates. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Whistler's Fish and Chip shop in Westbourne as competitors Andrew Halliday and Vinny Murphy tackle their plates. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Rana said: ‘The competition over in Hayling Island was unbelievable. Everyone was gobsmacked at how easy winner Phil made it look - he made it look like a walk in the park.’

However, runner up Neil Thompson did not leave empty handed, as Whistler’s was able to make a smaller donation to his chosen cause - the Hayling Island community centre.

Rana said: ‘Everybody was supportive on the live stream with their comments, all really helpful and kind.

‘We had loads of support from our local community - lots of people gave us help for free.

‘It’s just really lovely to feel that everybody pulled together to help.

‘Thank you also to The News for writing the original article, because otherwise we wouldn’t have found Vinnie!’

For more information about Whistler’s, visit the website at whistlersfishandchips.co.uk.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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