Karen Fitzgerald

One Step Closer — Training, Teamwork and Thanks

I wanted to share a quick update and say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported this challenge so far. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and supporters, I’ve now reached one third of my €6,500 fundraising target for the Irish Heart Foundation, which means more than I can say.

This weekend marked an important milestone in the journey — our first full training weekend in the Galtee Mountains with the group I’ll be travelling to the Arctic Circle with. It was physically demanding and, at times, uncomfortable. Saturday brought wet, cold and miserable conditions, which turned out to be invaluable for testing our gear and seeing what really holds up in harsh weather. Sunday rewarded us with dry conditions and stunning views once the clouds lifted.

Beyond the physical challenge, the weekend was a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork. Getting to know the people I’ll be relying on in extreme conditions — and who will be relying on me — really brought home what this challenge is about: resilience, preparation, and supporting one another when things are tough.

The training was hard, but incredibly motivating. Knowing that this effort is helping to support the life-saving work of the Irish Heart Foundation makes every step worthwhile.

Thank you again for being part of this journey — your support genuinely keeps me going.

Join Me in Taking on the Arctic Challenge for the Irish Heart Foundation

Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page, I really appreciate you being here.

In March, I’ll be heading 350 km north of the Arctic Circle to take part in a demanding and unforgettable adventure with the Irish Heart Foundation, the Arctic Challenge. This expedition will take us across frozen lakes, teach us survival skills in extreme cold, and even includes camping in temperatures as low as -20 °C under the Northern Lights. 

Why I’m Doing This

I’m excited (and if I’m honest, a little frightened!) by the Arctic Challenge itself. It’s going to test me physically and mentally. Part of this journey for me involves getting fitter and healthier so that I can take on the challenge. I see this as more than just training for a specific event, it’s a real opportunity to improve my own heart health while supporting others whose lives are affected by heart conditions and stroke.

Every single donation, whether it’s €5, €20, or €50, will make a real difference. Your support helps provide vital services, from community heart health programmes to support for stroke survivors and their families. Together, we can help prevent needless suffering and give people better chances of living long, full lives.

Your Support Means the World

Thank you for visiting this page.

Every donation  and every share of this page with friends and family  brings me closer to meeting the target and helps the Irish Heart Foundation continue their essential work.

👉 Thank you for being part of this journey ❤️