Cork dad among 16 people to embark on new '40 Day Health Challenge' 

At 16 stone and battling some health issues, Corkman John Drislane is hoping 2025 will be the year he transforms his life and wellbeing.

The Castlelyons father has been accepted as one of 16 people - five from Cork - to take part in the 40 Day Health Challenge.

How did he land the role?

“It was by chance that my partner Helen saw the call out for people to take part in the health challenge that has replaced the programme Operation Transformation,” says John.

The 40 Day Health Challenge is being streamed from January 6 to February 14.

“Helen encouraged me to apply,” says John, 32, dad to Eva Rose.

“When I applied, and after numerous interviews, I was finally chosen as one of 16 people. I was delighted.”

John says he is 104 kg, which is 16 stone, and the programme will see him commit to 40 days of eating well, moving more, and improving his mental wellbeing with the help of a team of four health professionals.

Karl Henry is providing a Get Fit Plan, and dietician Sophie Pratt, health advisor Dr Sumi Dunne, and clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy will also be on hand to guide John through his journey.

“I did a couple of calls before I did a zoom call that they recorded,” says John. “They seemed happy enough with my story and they saw where I am now and that I needed professional help.

“That’s another reason I applied for the Health Challenge. I do need some help to get back running which is one of my main sports that I love doing.”

What else about John’s story caught the health experts’ attention?

“What started my low mood was when, during the first 19 months of covid, I had to go on lockdown. I suffer from severe chronic asthma, and I have eczema which often flared up as well. I used to run to keep down the weight. Then I couldn’t anymore.

“I was fed-up, struggling through covid as I am a very social person and I’m a member of St Nicholas Athletic Club.”

John loves his sport.

“I am an avid GAA supporter, and I always enjoyed going to matches. When the covid lockdowns began, it took a toll on me both mentally and physically. I was basically locked up for 19 months.

“My asthma would flare up and I’d have to go on regular doses of antibiotics and steroids. At one stage it was feared I wouldn’t survive covid.”

His mental health suffered too.

“I had to go to the doctor and go on tablets. I almost had a breakdown,” admits John, who says he called the Samaritans at one low stage.

John wasn’t used to talking about himself. Especially not about his innermost feelings.

“I held back my feelings,” he says.

“I was bullied in school. Life in general got me down. I think I was vulnerable. Down through the years I held back my feelings and held back where I was at, good or bad.”

Why does John think men are less likely to talk about their feelings than women?

“I used to think if I opened up, people would think that I was weak,” says John. “I bottled up everything. I used to think people expected men to always be strong.”

He thought wrong.

He was strong for his daughter.

“Becoming a first-time father was also a big change for me. I think my priorities changed and my health took a back-seat for a while, even though I was able to come off the tablets.”

Eva Rose doesn’t take a back seat.

Is she walking?

“Walking!” says John. “She’s running!”

Like her dad so?

John laughs. “She’s pretty lively all right!”

Far from being daunted about taking on the 40 Day Health Challenge, he is ready to go.

“I am ready to rock,” says John, who plays the guitar and worked as a DJ and with Crystal Swing.

“I loved all that music scene,” he says. “I missed it so much during Covid.”

John has been travelling to and from Dublin for final checks ahead of the start date, and undergone blood tests, fitness tests, and ECGs.

“The next couple of weeks is just building up and promoting it,” says John. “I’m trying to get back some level of fitness, doing a small bit of walking and getting back to doing some push-ups and sit-ups.”

What about his diet?

“I work servicing vending machines and being on the road a lot, I got into bad eating habits. I’d eat jambons and fast food which put on the weight in a short time.

“On January 6, we get our programme comprising of whole meal plans and different challenges every day.”

As well as improving his health, John is hoping the community will join him on his journey and is encouraging everyone to come along to Castlelyons GAA pitch, where he plans to use the new walkway and new development to get active once again.

“The local GAA club will be backing John 100%,” says Kieran McGann, PRO of Castlelyons GAA Club.

“We hope that some of the club members will join him and help him along the way.”

John is a popular member of the club.

“He played at juvenile level with Castlelyons GAA and has always been a good supporter. We all want John to succeed and to find that his efforts will bring him to a better place of health,” said Kieran.

With plans for raffles and fund-raisers underway, John is aiming to raise as much as possible for the Simon Community and a local charity, Friends of Dean and Padraig, a group set up to provide children with special and additional needs a platform to take part in sports and activities.

John ‘s mum and dad are 100% behind their son too.

“They took us in to help us save until we get our own home,” says John. “They’re great.”

Mum is on board with the health challenge too.

“She’s going to do it with me,” says John. “Dad has a few health issues and he’ll be checking in.”

John is a true Castlelyons man.

“I was born and bred here,” he says. “It is a lovely community, and I do hope people actually join me out here at Castlelyons GAA Club.

“It’s for all ages, all fitness levels, and we can help one another as best we can.”

The community are lucky to have John in their parish. “We know John all our lives and we’re rooting for him all the way,” says Kieran.

John has the last word. “I can’t wait to get going!”

The 40 Day Health Challenge will be streamed weekly along with daily updates on Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio. Find The 40 Day Health Challenge on Facebook.

If you have been affected by this story, call the Samaritans on 116 123.