The ‘Casting For Recovery NZ Charitable Trust’ run fly fishing weekend retreats for women with breast cancer with the aim of allowing the women to get away from the hurly burly of everyday life. The weekends away provide a tranquil setting for the women to experience fishing, friendship and pampering at no cost other than their travelling expenses.
Expert anglers volunteer their time, giving women the opportunity to be ‘in the moment’ that fly fishing provides. Beloved Kiwi entertainers the Topp twins actively support the cause, Jools Topp herself being a breast cancer survivor. A recent retreat in Rotorua was attended by Lynda Topp who waded in to help and encourage the rookie anglers.
All the camaraderie helps the women combat the sense of isolation that often afflicts people with cancer and forges new friendships. The weekend involves fun, support and physical activity as well as some serious pampering – massage, styling and makeovers, hair piece refurbishment and stress reduction techniques.
Apart from lifting the soul, Casting For Recovery spokesperson Sherrie Feickett says fly fishing helps recovery by stopping the mastectomy scar from adhering and encouraging lymphatic drainage.
The Lottery Grants Board Bay of Plenty / Gisborne Community Committee gave $5,500 towards the cost of running a retreat in Rotorua in early 2011.
