Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Casting for Recovery, the unique fly fishing programme for women who have, or have had, breast cancer, will return to Co. Antrim this September for a retreat at Brookhall Trout Fishery near Lisburn; applications to participate are now being accepted but ladies must apply by 19th July to be entered into the ballot.

Casting for Recovery 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. 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 Countryside Alliance Ireland. This autumn will see the team return to Brookhall for the third year in a row from 17-19th September.

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 160 women have now been through the programme over thirteen 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 retreats are unforgettable and it is a huge privilege to be able to return to Brookhall, which is a perfect venue for CfR. We are very grateful to Brookhall owners Cathryne and Kenny for their support – last year they hosted us and also raised over £3,000 for the programme because they are so supportive of our aims. We have a great team who all share a passionate enthusiasm for what we do; all ladies have to do is apply to attend and we will take care of the rest."