Good weather ensures a great first CfR retreat of 2019

Good weather ensurtes CfR magic for 13 ladies on our North Yorkshire retreat

Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the medical fly-fishing programme for ladies who have, or have had breast cancer, held its first retreat of 2019 at the Coniston Country Estate Hotel and Spa in Skipton North Yorks last weekend (26-28 April).

Organiser Sue Shaw said: "It was our 49th retreat and the 4th time at the stunning Coniston Hotel - the open fire in Huntsman's Lodge was constantly glowing over the weekend creating a fantastic atmosphere.

"The weather played a part on the Sunday and, with very little wind and an increase in temperature, enabled a few fish to be caught.

"Thirteen ladies benefitted from the weekend and they have already created an online group for themselves and plan on meeting up again through the year. Ladies came from as far away as Glasgow to enjoy the CfR magic."

Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland is run by The Countryside Alliance Foundation (TCAF), the charity set up to increase access to the countryside and to use it for education, fun and healing. It works on the simple principle that fly fishing is wonderful therapy for those recovering from breast cancer.

The programme takes ladies on a two-day residential retreat where fly fishing tuition is part of a packed itinerary that also includes counselling, relaxation and medical advice. The residential retreat aims to help both body and mind, with the medical and counselling aspects complementing the gentle physical therapy of the fly-casting motion.

We are extremely grateful to the fly fishing and medical volunteers who take time to ensure that the ladies all enjoy their weekend and to our generous hosts.

CfR will run six retreat throughout 2019. Our next takes place in Llanelli, South Wales, from 17-19 May.