'We fish, laugh and eat': the breast cancer survivors learning how to fly-fish

Charity’s fishing sessions offer chance for women to exercise, talk, cry and hug

On a river in the West Country, Suzy Gibbs is in a fix. She is fly-fishing and her fly has got tangled in the trees above the water. Her quick little jerks of the rod aren’t working it loose. “I’m loth to break it off and tie a new one – but if I wade in there I’ll spook the fish.” Another pull at the rod and fly, and leaves and line come tumbling into the river. Fishing is resumed.

Gibbs, 54, came to fly-fishing late and admits that there are days when it feels like her fly is in the trees far more than on the water. Not that she minds. “I’m just grateful to be here at all,” she says.

Continue reading...