Offaly's Lisa to tackle gruelling Arctic challenge for Irish Heart Foundation

An Offaly woman is getting ready to take on a gruelling, week-long, Arctic challenge to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation and increase awareness of the risk of heart disease and stroke in women.

Banagher native Lisa Byrne is among an all-female crew of 14 who are setting off later this week for the arduous expedition.

It will see participants travel 350km north of the Arctic Circle, complete a pulk (equipment) hauling trek across a frozen lake, and sleep outdoors in temperatures of Minus-20 degrees Celsius.

The group leaves Dublin airport for Kilpisjärvi, Northern Finland on Thursday, March 13. 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 said that cardiovascular disease in women remains under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated.

"I am 45 now. I read the statistics on the Her Heart Matters campaign and I do have a history of cardiac disease in my family," said Lisa, who previously lived in Tullamore but is now based in Phibsborough, Dublin.

“My Dad Liam, now 75, had a heart attack at 50 and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the same time. He was only five years older than I am now. It's frightening," said Lisa.

A pharmacist for over 20 years, she noted that heart disease and heart attacks are usually associated with men.

Lisa admits that work responsibilities have taken the focus off her own health – but, along with a recent decision to stop smoking, she sees the Arctic Challenge as a way of changing that.

"For me, that's a huge thing. It's tough, and signing up for the challenge really gave me the motivation to do it.

"I am at the age where (smoking) could bite me if I don’t knock it on the head.

"When I saw this advertised, I thought, 'Right, I'm going to do something for a really good cause'.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's been great to have a few hikes organised and to meet the rest of the girls doing it," added the Offaly woman

The group is on track to raise over €100,000, and Lisa's fundraising total has already exceeded €7,000.

"These women are taking on this challenge to raise funds and awareness for a special reason – because Her Heart Matters!" said Judith Gilsenan, Commercial Director with the Irish Heart Foundation, who is joining the all-female team.

"They are doing it for the hearts that can't, and are shining a vital light on women's heart health, something which has been overlooked for too long.

"This challenge is extremely challenging - and 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."

The charity is asking the public to support Lisa and the other women on their fundraising page here.