Athenry woman takes on Arctic Challenge
An Athenry woman is set to take on a gruelling week-long Arctic Challenge to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
Karina Duffy will join fellow Galwegian Sarah Lyons in an all-female crew of 14 for the week-long expedition, which they hope will increase peoples’ awareness of the risk of heart disease and stroke in women.
The crew will travel 350km north of the Arctic Circle, complete a pulk (equipment) hauling trek across a frozen lake and an overnight, outdoor sleep-in through temperatures of -20C.
Duffy, who now lives in Templeogue, is the founder of EcoFitness in South Dublin. She said it was one of her clients that told her about the challenge.
“I run a community-based fitness studio, and we have three fitness members who have heart conditions,” stated the 42-year-old, who is taking on the challenge to be an example to her children, as well as to other single parents.
“I want to show my community that while they’re fit and healthy, their heart is able, and their legs can carry them – that’s when to do things like this.”
The group leaves Dublin for Kilpisjärvi, Northern Finland this Thursday March 13 and for some, it will be a personal journey to highlight the importance of heart health after loved ones suffered serious cardiac issues.
Data shows that one in four women in Ireland dies from heart disease and stroke – six times the number who die from breast cancer.
But the national heart and stroke charity says that cardiovascular disease in women remains under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated.
“The cause we’re doing it for is Her Heart Matters, specifically targeting women’s heart health,” added mum-of-two Sarah Lyons, a personal stylist and image consultant from Salthill, who is now based in Dublin.
“I am health conscious but more on stuff you can see. You’re doing everything you can for your body, and you sometimes forget about your heart.
“One in four women will die from heart attack or stroke and there’s a lot of women around me who don’t know that.”
While the challenge focuses on awareness of women’s heart health, she recalls her father Tony’s heart attack eight years ago.
“He had no high cholesterol or any sign of heart disease, it literally came out of the blue. If paramedics had not got him to a Cath lab in time, that was it,” she recalled.
The group is on track to raise over €100,000. Sarah has already raised an impressive €5700, while Korina has raised €3900.
"This challenge will push each participant to the limit. These women are making a real difference in helping us continue to fight as well as showing every woman in their family, workplace and community that our hearts matter,” stated Judith Gilsenan, Commercial Director with the Irish Heart Foundation, who is joining the all-female team.
Those looking to support Korina and Sarah can do so by visiting eventmaster.ie and search for the Artic Challenge for the Irish Heart Foundation.