Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the unique outdoor programme which provides fly fishing retreats for women who have, or have had, breast cancer, hosted its first event in Hampshire at Kimbridge-on-the-Test from 17th – 19th July, 2009.
Casting for Recovery (CfR) provides fly fishing programmes at idyllic retreats around the UK and Ireland. 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. This retreat was made possible with a generous donation by Clay Brendish, owner of the beautiful Kimbridge-on-the-Test estate, and also by the ongoing financial backing of the Countryside Alliance. Appropriate clothing and fishing tackle 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. 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 over 100 women have now been through the programme over nine retreats.
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 exists to provide a supportive, fun and memorable experience for participants, and we have really succeeded in Hampshire, which, with its impressive fly fishing heritage is a natural location in which to enthuse newcomers to the sport. The team and I were delighted to give the ladies the opportunity to try fly fishing at such an amazing location. Kimbridge-on-the-Test is a beautiful setting for CfR’s brand of therapy, and I can’t thank Clay and his the team enough for their fantastic welcome and hospitality. I hope we can return to this part of the world to reach even more ladies.”
