Grieving TikTok star from Cork is raising funds for Irish Heart Foundation

Cork TikTok star Taylor-Lee Keating will take part in the Alpha Hyrox simulation at Páirc Ui Chaoimh in September to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation.

The influencer’s mother, Deirdre Keating, of Loretto Park, Ballyphehane, died in May and now Taylor-Lee is hoping to make a difference for other families who have been affected by stroke.

Ms Keating said: “It’s been a few weeks since we lost our mom. The last two months have been the hardest of our lives. Grief changes you in ways you never expect. Some days, simply getting out of bed is impossible.

“Through all of it, training has given me something to hold on to. It hasn’t taken the pain away, but it’s helped me put one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. I’ve decided to do Alpha’s Hydrox simulation at Páirc Ui Chaoimh in September to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation.”

Taylor-Lee’s GoFundMe page has reached €3,000 for the charity.

“Many people don’t realise that the Irish Heart Foundation is also Ireland’s leading charity supporting people affected by stroke. They provide support for stroke survivors and their families, while also funding prevention, education, and research.

“Stroke has changed my family’s life for ever. The Irish Heart Foundation supported my dad after his stroke, and after losing my mom, supporting this charity is so important to us.”

Taylor-Lee said: “This fundraiser isn’t only about my family. It’s for every family whose world has changed in a moment; for every survivor learning to rebuild their life.

“For every son, daughter, mum, dad, partner, grandparent, and friend who has had to watch someone they love fight through the loss and aftermath of a stroke. None of us ever expect it to happen to the people we love.”

Taylor-Lee has begun her training for the event, which will take place in September, and has been documenting her journey on social media. “Every training session from now until race day has a purpose,” she said.

“Every early morning, every run, every lift, every step is towards helping families who are walking a road no one ever wants to walk.

“If you’re able to donate, share the fundraiser, or simply follow the journey, I would be so grateful. Every euro raised will help the Irish Heart Foundation continue supporting stroke survivors, their families, and the vital work they do every single day.”

She paid tribute to all who helped her and her family on their journey of grief.

“Over the last two months, so many of you have carried me through some of the darkest days of my life. Every message, every hug, every kind word, every person who simply checked in — it has reminded me that none of us have to face life’s hardest moments alone.

“Let’s turn heartbreak in to hope. I will do my mom proud.”