Northern Ireland Trout Angler

wayne · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:24 pm 54 Post subject: Casting for Recovery

Casting for Recovery - Ireland Retreat

Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the unique outdoor-based programme specifically designed for women who have, or have had, breast cancer, has announced that its first retreat for Northern Ireland will be held at Brookhall Trout Fishery in Co Antrim from 19th - 21st September 2008, and is inviting patients to apply for a place.

Casting for Recovery provides fly fishing programmes at idyllic retreats around the UK and Ireland. The first retreat of its kind in England took place at the Duncton Mill Retreat in West Sussex in September 2007 and was a resounding success. Retreats are planned for Wales in April, Northern Ireland in September and the Republic of Ireland and Scotland in 2009.

Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a retreat (with medical clearance from their doctor). Retreats are provided at no cost to participants due to the financial backing of Countryside Alliance Ireland, and include accommodation, meals, counselling, and professional instruction. Trained medical staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times and the fishing tackle is provided by Orvis.

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. Fly fishing also offers participants a chance to reflect and escape in tranquil surroundings. Casting for Recovery was founded in the United States in 1996 and has since helped almost 3,000 breast cancer survivors.

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: "The first retreat was a huge success and we are all looking forward to bringing the Casting for Recovery initiative to Northern Ireland. The courses are open to ladies of all ages who have, or have had, breast cancer and are absolutely free thanks to Countryside Alliance Ireland's generous backing. I am very much looking forward to meeting many brave ladies later this year - we are promised a very warm welcome at Brookhall. "

Ladies from all over Ireland who would be interested in joining a retreat should email Sue Hunter at info@castingforrecovery.org.uk or write to Sue at: Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, PO Box 3611, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 3BY. Places at retreats are allocated by ballot.

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When I'm tying I'm always learning, when I'm learning I'm always tying.

FliTrap · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 25

Thank you all, for the support given to this project! My wife and I worked to bring this fine program to our own area within the USA, being proud to say we will have our fifth retreat for the State of Missouri this October! My wife continues as the Missouri Coordinator. I, along with providing support staff efforts during the retreat, am privileged to operate the Casting For Recovery's "Equipment Distribution Center (EDC) for all the 37 retreats in 27 States, here in the USA! This includes the cleaning and repair of the waders, boots, rods, reels, and all other equipment needed for each retreat. As you can guess, there will be a lot of wading boots to keep clean over the course of the next 6 1/2 months!
Our hearts sing with the joy of knowing that so many women will be able enjoy all that these retreats have to offer, this and each year to come. The reality is that such programs will need to grow in number as fast as there has been success with treating the Cancer, itself! With all that had happened in recent years to address early detection and treatment, raising the survivor rates, the need for support to this growing number of women, also increases!
It can happen... doing so with your own support and donations!
Keep it going!
FliTrap (Pat and Patti Hummert)

In the USA: http://www.castingforrecovery.org/