Casting for Recovery enjoyed its 41st retreat at Forbes of Kingennie near Dundee over the weekend (22-24 September) with twelve ladies who have, or have had breast cancer, taking part in the unique medical and fly fishing programme.
Casting for Recovery UK and Ireland (CfR) is a charitable project run by The Countryside Alliance Foundation. It works on the simple truth that fly fishing is wonderful therapy for those recovering from breast cancer.
This was the seventh retreat to be held at Forbes of Kingennie, which is owned and run by long term CfR supporters Mike and Gail Forbes. The weekend was a great success with ladies travelling from all over the country to attend. The weekend saw the ladies try their hand at the therapeutic sport of fly fishing and happily every lady caught a fish during the weekend.
Alongside the gentle physiotherapy the retreat also featured counselling and medical advice, giving a body and mind experience for the ladies. All the ladies commented on the cathartic and supportive nature of the counselling and medical sessions which punctuated the fishing.
We are extremely grateful to the fly fishing and medical volunteers who take time to ensure that the ladies all enjoy their weekend. Special thanks must also go to the Scottish Rural Awards for funding this retreat. But most of all we are grateful to the ladies for choosing to take the chance and apply for the programme. We hope they all enjoyed it!
Casting for Recovery’s Sue Shaw commented: “The retreat at Forbes of Kingennie was fantastic, the weather was beautiful and all of the women had an unforgettable weekend. The ladies all made some firm friendships and it was great that everyone caught a fish. It’s humbling to be able to provide ladies who have been through a difficult time with some encouragement and fun.”
How to apply to join one of the 2018 retreats.
The project is renowned for supporting participants against a backdrop of beautiful scenery and accommodation. In 2018 six retreats will be held, including a first retreat in East Sussex and a return to Wales after a five year absence. We will also be returning to some favourite venues in 2018:
• 20-22 April – The Coniston Hotel Spa and Country Estate, Skipton, North Yorkshire
• 11-13 May – Garnffrwd Fishery and Best Western Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
• 15-17 June – Brick Farm Lakes, nr Herstmonceux & Cooden Beach Hotel, Bexhill, East Sussex
• 20-22 July – Kimbridge on the Test, Romsey, Hampshire
• 21-23 September – Forbes of Kingennie resort, Broughty Ferry, Angus
• 19-21 October – Mount Falcon Estate, Co Mayo
Registrations will open in January for the initial Coniston retreat, and will then roll out gradually. Ladies can register at http://www.castingforrecovery.org.uk/
Retreats are provided free of charge. All participants need to do is get to the retreat and we will take care of all food, accommodation, counselling, medical advice, fly fishing instruction and fishing kit.
Ladies should be three months clear of surgery. Attendance on retreat is subject to medical clearance.
