Reel Recovery offers “life-changing” support to men with cancer

A groundbreaking charity called Reel Recovery is using the healing power of fly-fishing to support men living with cancer — and participants are calling the experience “life-changing”.

Reel Recovery, which launched in the UK last year after 22 years in the USA, offers free weekend retreats that blend expert fly-fishing tuition with therapeutic group sessions. The charity has already helped nearly 5,000 men worldwide.

Fishing, friendship and healing

Each participant is paired with an experienced fishing buddy for one-to-one coaching. The Reel Recovery retreats also include “courageous conversations” — safe, facilitated group discussions where men can open up about their cancer experiences.

“I discovered that while fly-fishing I was in another place [where] there was no cancer, no pain and no fear,” said one attendee.

Another added: “I actually felt like the real me this morning – no stresses or worries.”

Reel Recovery faces challenges: funding and facilities

Reel Recovery’s UK coordinator Michael Sayers says the first two UK retreats have been a great success, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and volunteers.

But there’s a catch: each retreat costs around £6,000 to run and relies entirely on donations. Finding suitable venues with both quality fly-fishing and comfortable accommodation is also a challenge.

“We are inspired to provide more retreats in the future,” said Michael. “But to do so, we need help.”

You can support the charity or find out more at reelrecovery.org.

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