A team of determined Irish women is about to face one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet—a 350km Arctic expedition—to raise awareness and funds for women’s heart health.
The all-female crew, which has already raised almost €100,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation, will journey north of the Arctic Circle in Finland, braving -20°C temperatures, frozen lakes, and extreme physical demands in support of the charity’s ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign.
For some, this expedition is deeply personal—a mission to honor loved ones affected by cardiovascular disease and to challenge the dangerous misconception that heart disease is primarily a male issue.
Women’s Heart Health: A Silent Crisis
In Ireland, one in four women dies from heart disease or stroke—a staggering statistic that surpasses breast cancer deaths sixfold. Yet, the Irish Heart Foundation warns that cardiovascular disease in women remains under-researched, under-diagnosed, and under-treated.
Despite these numbers, many women still don’t recognise the symptoms of heart attacks and strokes. According to research commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation, only half of Irish women can identify the warning signs—leaving many at risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Angie Brown, consultant cardiologist and medical director of the charity, emphasises the urgent need for change:
“Society needs to confront this embedded myth that heart disease is a male disease. Women need to seek help earlier if they have any suspicion something might be wrong, advocate for themselves, recognise the signs, and potentially save their own lives.”
A Journey of Strength, Endurance, and Awareness
The crew, set to depart from Dublin to Kilpisjärvi, Finland, will undergo an exhausting week-long expedition—trekking across frozen lakes, navigating deep snow, and camping in brutal sub-zero conditions.
Among the women taking on this challenge is Judith Gilsenan, commercial director of the Irish Heart Foundation. She sees this mission as a powerful statement about the urgent need for women’s heart health awareness:
“These women are taking on this challenge to raise funds and awareness as part of our ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign. They are doing it for the hearts that can’t and shining a vital light on women’s heart health, something which has been overlooked for too long.”
For Lisa Byrne, 45, this challenge is deeply personal. Her father Liam suffered a heart attack at 50 and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the same time. That moment changed her perspective on health:
“At the time, he was only five years older than I am now. It’s frightening.”
A pharmacist for over 20 years, Lisa admits that work and responsibilities often took priority over her own well-being. Recently, she decided to quit smoking and saw the Arctic Challenge as an opportunity for personal change while advocating for better heart health awareness among women.
The Message: Prioritise Your Heart Health
This extreme endurance test is not just about physical resilience—it’s about breaking the silence around women’s heart disease. The expedition serves as a stark reminder that women cannot afford to ignore their heart health.
By pushing themselves to their limits in the Arctic, these women are making a powerful statement: heart disease is not just a man’s issue, and every woman needs to take charge of her cardiovascular health.
Follow their journey and support the cause at Irish Heart Foundation.
Comentarios