Unique breast cancer charity plans to hold Lisburn retreat next year

This innovative programme, which is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland, 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 say the surroundings of Brookhall near Lisburn fit the requirement perfectly.

Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a retreat (with medical clearance from their doctor).

The Lisburn Retreat will take place on 27-29 April 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. Casting for Recovery began in 2006 and over 250 women have now been through the programme over seventeen retreats.

Sue Hunter is the Director of the Charity and recovered from breast cancer to become a champion fly fisher. She commented: “We are all looking forward to returning to Brookhall where the welcome is warm and the trout are plentiful. It’s an escape, a way to make friends and a chance to enjoy beautiful surroundings whilst learning a new skill and having fun. There’s nothing not to like!”