Casting for Recovery's three 2015 retreats now open to applications

Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the medical charity which offers wellness retreats which combine counselling with fly fishing, invite ladies who have (or have had) breast cancer to apply to join a retreat this year. Retreats will be held at Mount Falcon, Co Mayo in May, Kimbridge on the Test in Hampshire in July and Forbes of Kingennie near Dundee in September. Attendance is subject to medical clearance and is decided via a ballot. Apply here. The Countryside Alliance is proud to be the founding financial supporter of this incredible charity which gives ladies who have been profoundly affected by cancer the chance to relax on retreat, make new friends and learn the skill of fly casting. It's a magical formula which has been working here in the UK and Ireland for eight years. See www.castingforrecovery.org.uk for more.

This innovative programme, the first of its kind in this country, 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. Three retreats are planned for 2015, at beautiful and tranquil rural locations in England, Ireland and Scotland.

Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a retreat (with medical clearance from her 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. The Countryside Alliance is the 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 activity in which recovering breast cancer patients can participate safely. Fly fishing also offers those on retreat a chance to reflect and escape in tranquil surroundings. Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland began in 2006 and by the end of 2015 more than 450 women will have benefited from the programme.

The 2015 retreat schedule is:
• Mount Falcon Estate at Ballina, Co Mayo, from 29-31 May
• Kimbridge-on-the-Test near Romsey in Hampshire, from 24-26 July
• The Forbes of Kingennie Resort at Broughty Ferry near Dundee, from 25-27 September.

A maximum of 14 ladies will attend each retreat, which is staffed by medical professionals, fly fishing instructors and volunteers, many of whom are previous participants with an empathy for the programme and its aims. . To apply, visitwww.castingforrecovery.org.uk/our-retreats

Casting for Recovery programme coordinator Jill Grieve said: "I am delighted to open the applications for this amazing project for a ninth year. We look forward to returning to our fantastic venues where a warm welcome awaits for the many brave ladies we hope to introduce to Casting for Recovery's special brand of therapy."

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Notes to Editors
• Places at retreats are allocated by ballot and are subject to medical clearance.
• To apply, fill in an online form at www.castingforrecovery.org.uk
• Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland is a registered charity, number 1135140