Nine brave women enjoyed a weekend of fly fishing at the Arundell Arms in Lifton as participants in Casting for Recovery UK and Ireland, a unique outdoor-based programme specifically designed for women who have, or have had, breast cancer. Casting for Recovery provides fly fishing programmes at idyllic retreats around the UK and Ireland. The Arundell Arms retreat was only the second to be held in the UK, and further retreats are planned for Wales in April, West Sussex and Northern Ireland in September. 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 due to the financial backing of the Countryside Alliance, although Anne Voss-Bark, owner of the Arundell Arms, generously donated the recent retreat to the programme. Trained medical staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times and the fishing tackle and appropriate clothing are provided by Orvis UK. 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. Mrs Voss-Bark and the participants are pictured above.
