Have you ever heard of fishing as a therapy for breast cancer patients?
Well, this charity specialises in bringing breast cancer sufferers together through fly-fishing – due to the benefits that fly-fishing movements are thought to bring former and current patients.
Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland is a charitable project run by The Countryside Alliance Foundation.
Up to 14 women can attend a retreat to learn how to fish – but that’s not the only thing they will have in common.
Every one of them will have been affected by breast cancer.
The charity is returning to Wales after a five-year break, with the all-expenses paid retreats lasting two days. Anyone who has, or has had, breast cancer is eligible to apply, subject to receiving medical clearance.
The itinerary incorporates medical advice, counselling, relaxation techniques – and, of course, fly-fishing. Retreats are delivered by trained professionals including counsellors, oncology nurses and qualified fly-fishing instructors and guides.
The project celebrated its 40th retreat last year.
Sue Shaw, retreat coordinator, was one of the two people who came up with the project in 2007.
She said: “Myself and Sue Kidby (née Hunter), came up with the idea after Sue beat breast cancer twice. I am a qualified fly-fishing instructor and have been taking part in it since 1982.
“Fly-fishing really benefits those who have/had breast cancer, this started more than 20 years ago in America. A fly-fisher and a surgeon were friends and they realised that what fly-fishers do are similar to the exercises that women do post surgery.
“Our previous retreats have been very successful. We have had fantastic feedback, it’s a comfort zone for people. The women come back feeling refreshed and confident, they also learn a lot.
“We once had a message from a husband who said to us ‘thank you for giving me my wife back’. He said that after the retreat she was a diferent person and she hasn’t looked back since.
“Messages like that are what makes this trip worthwhile. We would love more women in Wales to enter but we welcome anyone from the UK and Ireland.”
Casting for Recovery is holding six retreats in 2018 and will be at Garnffrwd Fishery and Best Western Llanelli , Carmarthenshire , on May 11-13.
“We are delighted to be returning to Wales. Although we have previously held two retreats in Wales this will be our first time to Garnffrwd Park.
“This project’s simple aim is to offer ladies with breast cancer a fun and supportive experience in our beautiful countryside.
“After the stress of diagnosis and the grind of treatment, we feel privileged and humbled to be able to offer ladies a weekend that is just for them, surrounded by supportive people who know exactly how they are feeling.
“All they need to do is turn up. We spoil them as much as we can,” Ms Shaw added.
Registrations for 2018 are open and will close on March 13. Successful participants will be contacted by March 15.
Ladies can register at www.castingforrecovery.org.uk .
For more information about Casting for Recovery, you can visit www.countryside-alliance.org/the-foundation/casting-for-recovery-uk-ireland
