Casting for Recovery, the unique fly fishing programme for women who have, or have had, breast cancer, will run retreats in Devon, Hampshire, Co Antrim and Angus in 2010; applications to participate are now being accepted.

Casting for Recovery provides fly fishing programmes at idyllic retreats around the UK and Ireland.  The programme has held successful retreats at each of these venues before, greatly supported by the staff at each one.  Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a retreat (with medical clearance from their doctor).  Retreats take place over two-and-a-half days and all accommodation, meals, counselling, and professional instruction are provided at no cost to participants. Trained female medical and counselling staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times, the fishing tackle and appropriate clothing is provided by Orvis UK and financial backing is given by the Countryside Alliance.

Fly fishing is a gentle exercise which requires no strength and is exactly the sort of exercise in which recovering breast cancer patients can participate safely. Fly fishing also offers those on retreat a chance to reflect and escape in tranquil surroundings. Casting for Recovery was founded in the United States in 1996 and has since helped over 3,500 breast cancer survivors. In the UK and Ireland it began in 2006 and more than 150 women have now been through the programme over twelve retreats.

2010’s retreats will be held at:
26-28 March – Arundell Arms, Lifton, Devon, England (cut off date for applications 15th February)
16-18 July – Kimbridge-on-the-Test, Romsey, Hampshire, England
17-19 September – Brookhall Trout Fishery, Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
24-26 September – Kingennie, Broughty Ferry, Angus, Scotland

The UK and Ireland Programme Co-ordinator is Sue Hunter, who recovered from breast cancer to become an international gold medallist fly fisher.   Sue said “Casting for Recovery retreats are unforgettable and it is a huge privilege to be able to return to each one of these places to offer more brave women the experience. We have a great team who all share a passionate enthusiasm for what we do; all you have to do is apply to attend and we will take care of the rest.”