Fourteen women completed a gruelling, week-long Arctic Challenge to increase awareness of the risk of heart disease and stroke in women.
The all-female expedition, raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation, saw participants travel 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, complete a hauling trek across a frozen lake and an overnight, outdoor sleep in temperatures of -20C.
The women left Dublin for Kilpisjärvi, Northern Finland on Thursday, March 13 and for some, it was a personal journey to highlight the importance of heart health after loved ones suffered serious cardiac issues.
"“My dad Liam, who is now 75, had a heart attack at 50 and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the same time. At the time, he was only five years older than I am now. It’s frightening”.
Alison Newman, 61, said although the cause of death of her dad who died in a plane crash could not be established, the family believes it may have been heart related as both his brothers died of cardiac events. “It’s something I was always aware of growing up, to the point that when my children were in their late teens, on medical advice they were all screened,” she said.
Personal stylist and image consultant for women, Sarah Lyons, recalls her father Tony’s heart attack eight years ago. “He had no high cholesterol or any sign of heart disease, it literally came out of the blue. If paramedics had not got him to a Cath lab in time, that was it.”
Korina Duffy, a fitness instructor and business owner said: “I run a community-based fitness studio and we have three fitness members who have heart conditions. I want to show my community that while they’re fit and healthy and their heart is able and their legs can carry them – that’s when to do it.”
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 cardiovascular disease in women remains under-researched, under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Judith Gilsenan, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Commercial Director said: “the hard groundwork is done for the women doing the challenge, now it’s full steam ahead and the fundraising and awareness continues.
“These women took on this challenge to raise funds and awareness for a special reason – because Her Heart Matters!
“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. It will be extremely challenging and will push each participant to the limit.”
Research commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation last year showed that only half of women in Ireland recognise the symptoms of heart attack and stroke.
“Society needs to confront this embedded myth that heart disease is a male disease; it is still not seen as a disease that affects women to the degree that it does,” said consultant cardiologist and Irish Heart Foundation Medical Director, Dr Angie Brown.
“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.”
The team fundraised over €125,000 online here. If you are interested in taking on the Arctic Challenge in 2026, please contact hello@irishheart.ie
For information on women’s heart health and practical tips on looking after your heart, visit: irishheart.ie/herheartmatters.
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