A ladies’ day at Jacklands Fishing Lakes at Tickenham, Nr Nailsea in North Somerset raised hundreds of pounds for Casting for Recovery, the fly fishing programme for ladies with breast cancer.
Jacklands owner Caroline Eastwood organised the July 2nd event which saw ladies of all ages paired with a fishing guide for some casting practice and a short competition.
Caroline commented: “Everyone had a great time, although there was a light hearted comment from one lady saying that that next time she would prefer not to fish with her husband as the other fishermen appeared to be much more patient! We will remember that.
“It was a good feeling to be able to hand over a total of £357.00 for CfR when Sue Shaw kindly popped in to see our small fishery and it was very much appreciated. It was lovely to meet her and hear about the wonderful work that everyone at CfR does.”
Casting for Recovery is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland. It uses a unique formula of fly fishing, counselling, and education to promote mental and physical healing to women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer. Casting for Recovery chooses beautiful venues in which the lady participants can relax and enjoy the countryside.
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 medical staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times, the Countryside Alliance Ireland is a major financial backer and all fishing tackle and appropriate clothing is provided by Orvis UK.
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. In the UK and Ireland Casting for Recovery began in 2006 and over 250 women have now been through the programme over seventeen retreats.
Sue Shaw of Casting for Recovery commented: “I thank Caroline and all the participants who helped to make the day at Jacklands so successful and so much fun. We are a small charity reliant on donations, and this generosity will help to ensure that we can continue to provide much needed retreats for many brave women across the country.”
