James Bond’s ‘M’, Dame Judi Dench, cuts the South West Fishing For Life celebratory cake at Wimbleball
Dame Judi Dench cuts the SWFFL celebratory cake at Wimbleball.
Photo: RachelMoffetPhotography.
Wimbleball fly fishers enjoyed a special guest appearance on Sunday, when celebrated actress, Dame Judi Dench, appeared in support of South West Fishing For Life (SWFFL), which was celebrating its 15th anniversary.
SWFFL was was founded at Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor and is a fly fishing organisation for people suffering, recovering and living with breast cancer. Dame Judi, who has appeared in eight James Bond movies as ‘M’, won an Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love along with numerous BAFTA awards, helped to cut the birthday cake and present the trophy to Karen Hodgson.
Then, she and her partner, David Mills, spent the afternoon relaxing and chatting with SWFFL members, hearing their stories of how SWFFL has helped them move forward with their lives after cancer treatments and make new friends with like-minded people.
One of the SWFFL members said: “I always feel good about myself and positive about my cancer outcome, whenever I come to SWFFL. Being with so many amazing cancer sufferers and survivors and surrounded by so much care and love makes me feel that I can face whatever the future may hold, health wise.”
SWFFL members are taught how to fly fish by qualified coaches who all volunteer, as do the ladies who provided a delicious lunch, and the trustees, who work behind the scenes helping to keep the groups’ monthly sessions, which are based in the south-west, Greater Manchester, Gloucestershire/Worcestershire, Dorset and Berkshire running smoothly.
The sessions are provided free of charge, thanks to the help of South West Lakes Trust, Bristol Waters, fisheries and small grants from local authorities. Also fundraising done by a very committed group of volunteers at Wimbleball, Exmoor, the founder group, where head office is based.
To find out more about the organisation visit: www.southwestfishingforlife.org.uk
Fly-fishing coaches who would like to help at any of the venues, please contact Gillian at: Holworthyfarm@aol.com