Three Dubliners have successfully completed a nerve-jangling challenge – and raised much needed funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
Nicola Shields from Dundrum was among a brave army of fundraisers who conquered the Heart Heroes Abseil Challenge – a 60-metre abseil from the Generator Skyview Tower in Smithfield.
And her courage was rewarded when family and friends came together to raise over €1,300 for the national stroke and heart charity.
The event, earlier this month, was tinged with sadness for Nicola, who completed the challenge in memory of her dad, who suffered a fatal heart attack while running in 2005, aged just 44.
“Unfortunately my dream of doing my first marathon in Dublin this year was broken when I fractured my hip in March,” said Nicola.
“However, when I saw the opportunity to throw myself off a tall building in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation, I jumped at it!”
Dec Walsh from Castleknock signed up for the abseil to remember his son Cian, who died from a rare heart condition in 2020, aged seven.
Joined on the challenge by his brother Mike, the siblings raised an incredible €5,200.
“No doubt Cian would definitely have approved of this crazy, daredevil stunt!” said Dec.
Jamie Conway, Community Fundraising Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, said people travelled from all over the country to support the event.
“We were absolutely blown away by their fundraising efforts. They truly are Heart heroes,” he said.
“Everyone that participated had a genuine reason to support the charity and it was really nice to speak to many of them and share their stories.
“We are already planning for next year’s event, which will take place on Saturday, November 1 2025, so if you are interested, email jconway@irishheart.ie.”
This year’s event raised over €60,000, which will be used to help provide many services and supports to people in Ireland who have experienced a cardiac event or stroke.
People are impacted by stroke and heart disease every day.
The lives of these people are often cut tragically short and many are left disabled. Over 9,000 people die each year, making heart disease and stroke one of Ireland’s biggest killers.
