APPLICATIONS are open now for Casting for Recovery UK and Ireland’s six residential retreats in 2020, including the Arundell Arms in Lifton.

The unique fly-fishing charitable programme will offer fly-fishing retreats across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales as therapy for ladies with breast cancer. Registrations will stay open for each retreat, until two months before the date, after which attendees will be chosen by draw.

The project, which celebrates its 50th retreat in 2019, is run by the Countryside Alliance Foundation, a charity dedicated to using the countryside as a place of therapy, enjoyment and education.

The two-day retreats are free of charge to any lady who has, or has had, breast cancer (attendance is subject to medical clearance).

The itinerary incorporates medical advice, counselling, relaxation techniques and the sport of fly fishing and their focus is on moving forward after treatment.

Retreats are delivered by trained professionals including counsellors, oncology nurses and qualified fly fishing instructors and guides whose expertise will, with luck, help each participant catch a trout. Fishing kit is providing from leading manufacturer Orvis UK thanks to a £9,595 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

They shall be returning to some of their favourite venues in 2020, including the Arundell Arms, Lifton.

Casting for Recovery retreat coordinator Sue Shaw said: “We are so very excited to have six retreats on offer during 2020 across the UK and Ireland enabling many more deserving ladies to experience the magic of CfR. Our wonderful volunteers will ensure that those brave ladies attending have an unforgettable weekend and help them move forward with their lives.”