This challenge is twofold for me.
I was born with severe club feet and wore casts until I was 4, when I had surgery to sever my Achilles tendons and reattach them. I learned to walk 3 times over those young years. At that time and beyond, I often set tasks and challenges for myself. I didn’t usually share them with anyone, just private hurdles and secret accomplishments. I became strong, and while attending university, endeavoured in a very physical career, which I enjoyed. After injuries, my friends and my body convinced me that I didn’t have to push myself so hard anymore and I worked to let some of that stubbornness go.
The second drive for this challenge is fresher and harder to talk about. Both of my parents died from heart related issues in 2019.
I was in college when my father had a bovine valve replacement and bypass. His recovery was long and slow, but he gradually rebuilt his strength. This was followed by years of other scares and procedures – an aneurysm on his heart, inserting a pacemaker and several TIAs.
My mum was diagnosed with congestive heart failure around 2016. At this point I became their carer. Eventually, through help of family and wonderful neighbours, plus a team of dedicated doctors, nurses and carers, I was able to step away and go back to work.
In the summer of 2019, Dad’s heart did give out. He was too thin and too weak to carry on.
A few weeks later, Mum, heartbroken, developed an infection while in a healthcare facility. After a heroic effort, her heart and her lungs lost the fight.
Heart disease and stroke are mostly preventable through lifestyle changes and monitoring of your health. While I have history of heart conditions on both sides of my family, my fate is not set in stone. I have signed up for this challenge to stay fit and healthy. I publicly challenge myself to do what I can to end this cycle and stop this illness in my family.
https://youtube.com/shorts/WAXIWzm8Cec?si=3osXDK98gV216b5Q
My Achievements
Shared Page
Self Donated
Updated a Profile Pic
Posted your 1st update
50% Target Reached
Reached Fundraising Goal
Thank you to my Sponsors
€500
Keith Brazil
€250
Julia Benedict
€208.80
Juliet Johnson
Good Luck Julia
€180.61
Michael D. Cleary
€125.70
Adam Mitchell
God speed!
€106
Ursula Galvin
Brilliant Julia, what an adventure
€106
Paula Lee
Thanks for doing this important fundraising, Julia!
€106
Tanya Holly And Turlough Galvin
Very best of luck to you Julia! Well done. Best wishes from Tanya and Turlough xx
€106
Anonymous
You are amazing.
€106
Cara Murray
€106
Violet Galvin
€105.25
Paula Lee
Bravo, Julia! What a lovely way to honor your parents. Good luck! The Challenge sounds very challenging!
€53.42
Sarah Jane Mcgowan
Best of luck Julia Proud of you already Sj&Dan
€53.42
Jed Murray
€53.42
Ciaran Hayden
Go Julia! Mighty stuff
€53
Adam Aronson
€53
Gayatri Koshy
€53
Lisy Cuming
€53
Gerard O'brien
Go Julia go! You can do it. Happy to help in a small way.... keep me informed of your fundraising
€53
Emmet, Rachel & Culann Mccabe
A great cause, best of luck with the training and challenge ahead Julia!
€53
Eric Halperin
Swizzle Dazzle, you are amazing! You control your destiny. I want notes and pictures from your amazing journey. Rock on!
€53
Anonymous
€53
Karol Sadleir
Best of luck Julia, we are all behind you!
€53
Victoria Lawson
You got this!!! ❤❤❤
€53
Anonymous
So much boundless love to you. And your heart. ❤️
€53
Gayatri Koshy
All the very best Julia. What a fantastic achievement it will be!
€53
Emma B
Best of luck with this challenge Julia and thanks for supporting IHF's work
€50
Hilary Devine
Best of luck and well done - love Cian & Hilary
€50
Ross Dungan
€32.32
Brigid Sinnott
€31.80
Nikki Gallagher
Best of luck Julia!
€31.80
Ali S
Go, Arctic queen! Best of luck- it will be a wonderful adventure and a brilliant achievement for all hearts in need. And a terrific legacy to your mum and dad...
€31.80
Christina Duff
You're a legend Julia :D
€31.80
Katherine Scott Scott
€31.80
Dec & Emma Gavin
Well done, Julia!
€31.80
Henry
May your journey to the Arctic be successful .
€31.80
Darcy & Sanjay
What a great thing you are doing. Bravo!!
€26.98
Alice Galvin
€26.98
Emily Mahon
Good luck Julia! You are amazing!!!! Xo
€26.50
Derek Brazil
Best of luck with the challenge and fundraising Julia, Xx
€26.50
Rorianne Schrade
With love for Julia and our Posy and Bill
€26.50
Tara
Best of luck Julia!
€25
Muireann Collins O’regan
Wonder woman - you’re going to smash it!! ❄️❤️❄️
€21.86
Orla
€21.86
Dervla Coyle
Good Luck Julia! Xx
€21.86
Sharon Rooney
I heard you had a great night. Sorry I couldn't be there.
€21.60
Janice Furphy
€21.50
Daire Conway
Best wishes Julia, LEGEND!
€21.20
Adrienne
€21.20
Anonymous
Best of luck. Sandra
€21.20
Aoife Connolly
Amazing challenge Julia, best of luck with it all!! X
€21.20
Joan Nolan
Lots of good wishes Julia Joan (elder)
€21.20
Andrea
Go Julia!
€21.20
Jeroen Adriaanse
Best of luck out there!!
€21.20
Sorcha Kenny
❤️❤️
€21.20
Conor And Mairead Rock
€21.20
Mairead & Stephen Flatley
€21.20
Gavin O’connell
Best of luck with the challenge Julia!
€21.20
Anonymous
Incredibly inspirational
€20
Daniel Sacco
<3
€20
Waiyin Sin
You got this Julia!! You are amazing!! <3
€20
Muireann Collins O’regan
You’re going to smash it!!! ❄️❤️❄️
€11.24
Niall Ryan
€10.60
Margaret Donnelly
Best of luck Julia.
€10.60
Jacqui
€10.60
Mark Murphy
Good luck Julia!! Best probably not to bring shorts to the Arctic though.
Good luck Julia! Thanks for doing this!