Cork women take on Arctic test for charity

Two intrepid Cork women have taken on a gruelling Arctic challenge to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

Gabriella O’Keeffe from Buttevant and Karen Daly from Cork city were part of a team of 14 who signed up for the week long trek.

The team travelled 350km north of the Arctic Circle, where they trekked across a frozen lake hauling their equipment and tents, overnighting outdoors under stars in subzero temperatures as low as -5C. The Cork women decided to get involved to raise funds and awareness of the impacts of stroke, heart disease, and other cardiac conditions.

Ms O’Keeffe, a third year medical student in UCC, first came across the Irish Heart Foundation while researching a project on cardiovascular disease for her university work.

“Some of the statistics I discovered while conducting this research really shocked me. The more I learnt about the Irish Heart Foundation’s vital and lifesaving work, the more I wanted to do something to help,” 

she said.

For other members of the team, it was a very personal journey to highlight the importance of heart health after loved ones suffered serious cardiac issues. Each participant has to date raised a minimum of €6,500, while the two Cork women raised a total of €17,184 between them. So far, the entire team has raised a combined total of almost €112,000. Funds raised go towards essential supports that help people who have been affected by heart disease or stroke.

These include free professional counselling services and a nurse support line, support groups, and other programmes to help improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people after a cardiac event or stroke.

Tom Hickey, director of development with the Irish Heart Foundation, said the challenge showed how difficult it is to learn new skills in a tough environment and to persevere in the face of adversity.

“Through the kindness of our fundraisers and donors, we can work hard every day to help prevent cardiovascular illness in the first place. Together, we can stop so many lives being damaged, shortened or lost.”

The Irish Heart Foundation is asking the public to support Gabriella, Karen, and the other Arctic challenge participants on their fundraising pages at irishheart.ie or donate on irishheart.ie.