This year Recfishwest and Breast Cancer Care WA ran a specialised ‘Purple Fly Fishing’ weekend for clients recovering from breast cancer. The weekend was held in Manjimup on October 16, 17 and 18 with 19 breast cancer clients, accompanied by support staff from Breast Cancer Care WA, descending on the beautiful surrounds of the South West to partake in a spot of fly fishing.
Funded through a Recfishwest Community Grant, the Purple Fly Fishing weekend aims to offer these women the opportunity to gain a reprieve from the challenges of breast cancer, while also teaching them the art of fly fishing.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said the weekend offers participants a hands-on introduction to fly fishing and an opportunity to get outdoors while learning a unique form of fishing that can aid in their recovery.
“This weekend provides the opportunity for women affected by breast cancer to develop friendships and support networks with other participants and hopefully catch a few fish as they learn the basics of fly fishing” Dr Rowland said.
Breast Cancer Care WA Chief Executive Officer Zoe McAlpine said Breast Cancer Care WA are so grateful to Recfishwest for this opportunity to provide a wonderful experience for our clients going through breast cancer.
“The chance to get away for the weekend, learn a new skill in fly fishing and to focus purely on themselves and their journey is so valuable” Mrs McAlpine said.
“This year in Western Australia it is expected that over 1,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and we aim to be there to support every person diagnosed – thanks to the generosity of Recfishwest and the community this is made possible.”
Studies have shown that the casting motion of fly fishing, is similar to recovery exercises prescribed for women who’ve undergone surgery or radiation treatment. In addition to the physical benefits for participants, the gentle casting motion helps to promote soft tissue stretching and improve joint mobility for women recovering from surgery and those managing lymphedema.
Recfishwest has conducted similar fishing clinics in the past (Pink Fly Fishing Clinics) for women affected by breast cancer which has been hugely popular.
Additional Information:
Why purple and fly fishing? Each year in Australia over 13,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and one in eight women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast Cancer CareWA is a Western Australian charity that provides personalised emotional, practical and financial support to people affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Care WA receive no government funding and their activities are entirely reliant on the generosity of the Western Australian community. They are famous for the charity event Purple Bra Day, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer clients.
For more on Breast Cancer Care WA: http://www.breastcancer.org.au/