Breast cancer sufferers are hooked on Casting for Recovery

Apr 22 2008 by Steve Dube, Western Mail

Fourteen ladies (and Molly the spaniel mascot) enjoyed a weekend fly fishing retreat at Caer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells, at the first Casting for Recovery event in Wales.

The outdoor programme offers breast cancer sufferers fly fishing at retreats around the UK and Ireland. The Caer Beris retreat was only the third to be held in the UK and participants were instructed by members of the Welsh Ladies Fly Fishing Team as they went fishing for the first time at Llyn Gwyn fishery near Rhayader.

The UK and Ireland programme co-ordinator is Sue Hunter, who recovered from breast cancer to become an international gold medallist fly fisher in the England Ladies team.

She said, “The retreat was a huge success and we are glad that we have taken Casting for Recovery to Wales for the first time.

“The participants arrived on the Friday not knowing exactly what to expect and left on Sunday having made friends for life.

“The setting of the beautiful Powys countryside was perfect for the tranquil weekend we planned, but when some of the ladies caught their first fish their excitement was anything but tranquil.

“We hope to announce another Welsh retreat soon in order to offer many more brave ladies an idyllic weekend. ”

Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a weekend retreat (with medical clearance from their doctor) and all accommodation, meals, counselling, and professional instruction are provided free with financial backing from the Countryside Alliance.

Trained medical staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times and the fishing tackle and appropriate clothing is provided by Orvis UK.

Fly fishing offers proven benefits for recovering breast cancer patients.

The casting action provides the gentle exercise recommended by physiotherapists for joint and soft tissue mobility, and the exercise offers the chance to reflect and escape in tranquil surroundings.