Lee's story

Coffs Harbour based Lee has worn many hats over the years: breast care nurse, lymph therapist, breast cancer survivor, bra fitter & now she can add fly fishing fan.

In early November 2024, a group of breast cancer survivors and their partners were invited to the most uplifting positive day at the Dutton Trout Hatchery near Ebor NSW. For those of you not familiar with this small village it is on the Waterfall Way towards Armidale from Dorrigo in NSW. Home to national parks and the most amazing waterfalls. The trout hatchery is open to the public for the purchase of amazing smoked trout or for anglers to participate in recreational fishing for the rainbow and brown trout species. A tour of the hatchery is a must with opportunities to feed the fish as well as gaining an understanding of the importance of the hatchery in ensuring a future for fishing.

The notion of fly fishing as an exercise to benefit women who have undergone surgery and/or radiation following breast cancer was initiated in the 1990s by an American breast surgeon with help from a female fly fisher. The action of casting for fly fishing was thought to improve range of movement following breast cancer treatment due to the muscle action required. A not-for-profit organisation in the USA called Casting for Recovery was borne from this idea.

In 2017, armed with his fly-fishing rod Laurie Muldoon, an experienced fly fisher from Tamworth, boarded a train to Sydney for an appointment with Kate Guthrey the then National Coordinator for the Encore program. After learning about the benefits of his sport for women recovering from breast cancer treatment, Laurie was excited to offer a similar program to the women of NSW at the picturesque location in the Northern Tablelands. I attended the first program in November 2017 from both the perspective not only of a breast cancer survivor but also as a breast care nurse. This was such a wonderful experience!

 The program was offered annually until Covid and severe weather struck cancelling for several years until this year. I immediately applied, excited to participate again. Kate has since retired from Encore however she remains committed to providing opportunities for exercise for women, and along with Laurie organised a fabulous day. I cannot thank everyone who made the day the success it was enough

·       Paul and his team at the trout hatchery for making us feel so welcome, their support, interest and care was so very much appreciated

·       Laurie and the fly-fishing fraternity – Mike, Neil, Warren, Yves, Chris, Allan, Tim, and Don - the men and women who volunteered of their time and expertise (along with a few secrets) to be our buddies to provide our one-on-one experience. My buddy, Allan, allowed me to use his flies and his rod which he had made. We all felt encouraged and supported by those much more knowledgeable than ourselves.

·        Kate and her husband for the incredible catering – morning & afternoon teas along with nutritious lunch boxes.

Participants were provided with a pink cap and shirt with ‘Recreational Fishing Trust’ logo, a hand-crafted pen with a tiny trout on the clip, a beautifully presented box of flies handmade by members of the FlyLife Forum – an online forum run by FlyLife magazine – the story about the flies made by the fly-tyers presented on parchment. I felt overwhelmed by the generosity, patience and love shown by everyone involved.

The day was about stepping outside our comfort zone, trying something new, having fun, meeting people, sharing experiences and laughing a great deal. These are some of the reported outcomes of programs such as Casting for Recovery. As a health professional, much emphasis is placed upon the health benefits of mindful practice – fly fishing is an amazing example.  I know that I left the Dutton trout hatchery in Ebor with not only the trout I caught, but most importantly my heart feeling full and a smile on my face.

Over the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on this experience and the love shown us. I felt this wonderful experience needed to be shared. I am hoping Laurie, Kate, Paul and every single person who worked to make the day the success that it was, would be willing to offer this experience again in 2025.

As written by Lee Millard Newton.