The final Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland retreat was held at Mount Falcon Estate in Co. Mayo from 12-14 September. The charity, which receives financial backing from the Countryside Alliance, brings together ladies who have, or have had, breast cancer on all all-expenses paid outdoor retreat. Fourteen ladies from as far afield as the Outer Hebrides converged on the beautiful estate near Ballina to learn how to cast a fly line, take part in counselling and medical sessions and make firm friends.
On the final day of the retreat each lady, accompanied by her own fishing guide, had a full morning's fly fishing and each caught a fish, to delighted whoops. One of the ladies told us that whenever she visits her cancer support group she is encouraged to bring with her details of a recent "Champagne moment" of which to be grateful. "This whole weekend" she told us "has been one long Champagne moment from start to finish." The retreat schedule for 2015 will be published before year-end. More on the charity can be found at www.castingforrecovery.org.uk