Casting for Recovery
Cancer is something that has affected all of us, in one way or another. We spoke to the late Jill Grieve, someone who orchestrated great work by using angling as a novel method of aiding recovery in breast cancer patients
Issue 15 (Mar-Apr 2017) Jill Grieve (RIP)
Jill, for people who haven’t heard of the work you do can you just explain what Casting for Recovery does and why and when it was set up?
Casting for Recovery is a well-established programme in the US and was brought over to the UK and Ireland by our founder, a lady called Sue Hunter, ten years ago. Sue had had breast cancer on two occasions and a friend recommended that she try fishing as a form of relaxation and therapy. Initially quite sceptical, she thought “why not?” and went along, and the next thing she knew she was completely hooked. Never one to do things by halves, Sue went on to captain the England Ladies Fly Fishing team, so you could say that fishing really changed her life. When she first heard about Casting for Recovery in the US she couldn’t believe that no one had thought of it in the UK and Ireland before. The idea is so simple – take ladies who have had breast cancer on a residential retreat with a professional and supportive team of volunteers. The ladies are given fly casting tuition (and a morning’s guided fly fishing on the last day) and that works as a form of very gentle physiotherapy. The retreat is for body and mind equally and the programme also allows for counselling and medical advice.
“The idea is so simple – take ladies who have had breast cancer on a residential retreat with a professional and supportive team of volunteers”
Sue sought out the Countryside Alliance at the Game Fair in the summer of 2006 and we were so bowled over by the idea, and Sue’s enthusiasm, that we reached for our chequebook straight away. The Countryside Alliance has always been the major backer of the programme, and in 2015 it took over the administration lock-stock to enable Sue to retire!
The first retreat was held in September 2007, by which time Orvis UK had come on board as our official kit suppliers – lucky for us we still enjoy a strong partnership. Our volunteer base includes medics, counsellors and, of course, fly casting instructors, and we aim to provide support, fun, friendship and, hopefully, fish, to each lady. The focus is very much on helping the ladies to move forward with confidence.
How does your programme work?
We operate across the UK and Ireland, going to beautiful hotels and resorts and making the experience as luxurious for the ladies as we can. Each retreat runs from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon, and the itinerary is packed. Ladies arrive often feeling apprehensive and unsure what’s in store, but we soon put them at ease with lots and lots of tea and chat. The only real rule we work to, and our mantra, is that “it’s all about the ladies”. Everything is done with them in mind. The difference in the ladies between the time of their arrival to the time of their departure is almost unbelievable. They really blossom and grow in confidence, and we have heard that the confidence and joy they take home with them has a positive effect on those closest to them too, so the retreat starts something of a ripple.
The fly casting team are amazing – Sue Hunter and her friend Sue Shaw, a fellow England international who now works for the Countryside Alliance, have great contacts in the fishing world and so the lady participants get a top experience with some really talented instructors who share their love of fishing very freely and inspire the ladies. Casting is just one part of the weekend though, and the participants also try their hand at entomology and fly-identification. The flies the ladies use have all been donated by various kind donors who also want to share their passion. The final day of the retreat sees each lady paired with a local volunteer fishing guide to try and catch a trout. The competitive edge comes to the fore then, as you can imagine. Having spent a large amount of Saturday practising fly casting they are all keen to try the real thing! The whoops of delight around the lake or river on that morning are just wonderful, and there are a few tears too when they have reeled in their fish. Many of the hotels stock up especially for us to ensure our ladies have more than a chance of feeling that magical pull for the first time!
How many retreats are you able to offer a year and where are they usually based?
In 2017 we will run five retreats – North Yorkshire, County Mayo, Hampshire, Angus and Devon- and we are always on the lookout for appropriate venues. I am currently looking at a place in Northern Ireland as well and hope to go there either later this year or in 2018. We would love to expand the programme to the point that we can keep up with demand – Lord knows there are many, many ladies out there who could benefit from our particular brand of therapy, but as a charity we have to cut our cloth with the resources we have. The lady participants are treated to their weekend free of charge. All they need to do is get to us and we take care of the rest, and that will remain the case.
Funding is always a big issue for charities, not least in the angling sense. Do you receive government funding or do you rely solely on donations?
We rely solely on donations and fundraisers, and we would be nothing at all without the incredible generosity of the angling world.
Other than financial contributions, how else can people support CfR?
Support comes in many forms, and the easiest one is simply to spread the word. Tell people about us, mention our name and what we do, and encourage ladies to put their name down; that is the best support we can ask for. Of course, tying flies is also a good way to support us, as is giving us some time by helping to guide at a retreat. Casting for Recovery really does give ladies their sparkle back, and our guides have always remarked on the joy they feel when they get involved and help a lady catch a fish. It’s a huge high for everyone involved.
The wider public are starting to realise the huge benefits of angling, and nature in general, as a treatment for mental health issues. Is a similar realisation happening with regards breast cancer recovery?
Yes, absolutely, and in fact the Countryside Alliance more broadly is really keen on the whole “countryside therapy” theme, which has gained a huge amount of traction in the last few years. Medics have also told us of the complementary value of Casting for Recovery – it isn’t a cure but for those who have been looking at the four walls of a hospital room you can see the appeal. Enjoying the beauty of our countryside and getting immersed in trying to make the perfect cast is incredibly good for the health. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and that is certainly true here. We help ladies get into a more positive frame of mind and money can’t buy that.
“When you are casting there is nothing else in the world… you aren’t thinking about test results, treatment, your worries or anything else…”
Why do you think angling, and in particular fly fishing, is such powerful tool in supporting people in recovery?
When you are casting there is nothing else in the world. Concentrating on your cast is just hugely absorbing and when you are doing it you aren’t thinking about test results, treatment, your worries or anything else. It is an escape, and one which comes with a stunning backdrop. Ladies can also feel that they are taking back control, and that is a powerful feeling. I have long said that fly fishing should be prescribed by doctors as it is such an effective feel-good pursuit. Plus the fact that there are many others enjoying their day alongside you to share the banter, support each other and have a great time. There is literally no down side.
How many volunteers does CfR currently work with? Do you see a high volunteer return rate after retreat completion? Do you find many of your retreat participants become anglers afterwards?
I am delighted to say that our volunteer return rate is exceptional, and staff put next year’s dates in the diary as they are leaving so they know they are committed. We all look forward to each retreat, the camaraderie of the team is so vital to its success. At present we have over 30 volunteers and are always happy to welcome more!
Many ladies do stay in touch and send us their fishy pics, evidence of how much they have enjoyed their time with us. We have even seen three ladies represent their country in fly fishing, so we have some really talented and determined ladies. I am so proud to have played a small role in such a positive story.
Jill, many thanks for taking the time to tell us about CfR and we, and I imagine everyone reading this, wish you continued success in making women’s lives better through angling.
For more information please visit https://www.castingforrecovery.org.uk/
Jill sadly lost her own battle with cancer in November 2018. She had such a huge impact on so many people’s lives and will be sorely missed. Her legacy lives on through her work with the Countryside Alliance and, especially, Casting for Recovery, which is now not just in the UK & Ireland but also in Italy.