Ireland international Orla Prendergast is supporting the Irish Heart Foundation after losing her father to heart disease, encouraging people across Ireland to take small steps to protect their heart health.
Ireland Women’s cricket international Orla Prendergast is supporting the Irish Heart Foundation this World Heart Day by sharing the personal story behind her connection to heart health.
Orla lost her father to heart disease in 2025. Her dad was one of her biggest supporters throughout her cricket career, and following his death, Orla decided to change her Ireland jersey number to 10, his birth date, as a way of keeping him close whenever she takes to the field.
“The Irish Heart Foundation is a charity that means a great deal to me and my family. Having lost my dad last year to cardiac disease, we saw how impactful and important the Irish Heart Foundation is in supporting families affected and raising awareness around cardiac health.
“My dad was my biggest support in cricket, and I miss that every day. I decided to change my shirt number to 10, his birthday, as a way of keeping him close to me every time I play.
“Cricket has given me so much, and I’m grateful to Cricket Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation for helping to turn a personal story into something that can have a positive impact for others. If supporters can get behind the campaign and help raise awareness of heart health, then hopefully we can make a real difference.”
Orla is sharing her story as part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Love Your Heart campaign, which encourages people to take positive steps to look after their heart health.
Around 16 people have a heart attack in Ireland every day, while a further 20 people have a stroke. Cardiovascular disease affects up to 600,000 people across the country and accounts for a quarter of all deaths. However, 80% of early heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle changes.
This World Heart Day, the Irish Heart Foundation is encouraging everyone to think about the small changes they can make to help protect their heart.
There are eight heart-healthy steps you can take:
• Eat for a healthy heart
• Aim for your best weight
• Move more
• Quit smoking and vaping
• Drink less alcohol
• Know your numbers
• Manage stress
• Take any medicine prescribed to you
Even small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference to your long-term heart health.
Cricket Ireland and the Ireland Women’s squad are supporting Orla and the Irish Heart Foundation by raising awareness of heart health and fundraising to support the charity’s work.
Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services at the Irish Heart Foundation, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Orla, her teammates and Cricket Ireland for their support of the Irish Heart Foundation and our Heart Month campaign. Orla’s willingness to share her story is both courageous and powerful, and it will help us reach more people with important messages around heart health and the steps people can take to protect their hearts.”
This World Heart Day, take some time to think about your heart health. Learning about cardiovascular disease, understanding your personal risk factors and making small, sustainable changes can help protect your heart for the future.
For heart health information, support and practical advice on how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, visit irishheart.ie.
To support Orla and Cricket Ireland’s fundraising campaign, visit here.
Ireland international Orla Prendergast is supporting the Irish Heart Foundation after losing her father to heart disease, encouraging people across Ireland to take small steps to protect their heart health.
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