LIMERICK therapist Kate Healy is taking on the challenge of a lifetime with a world record attempt taking place in the Crescent Shopping Centre on November 29.
Kate Healy, a proud Limerick woman, is a therapist at St Gabriel’s Foundation and an experienced rower.
Combining her two passions, Kate is attempting to break an Irish, European, and World Record by being the first Irish female rower (20-29) to row consecutively for 24 hours. She will be rowing her heart out in the atrium of the Crescent Shopping Centre from 11am on November 29 until 11am on November 30.
She’s doing this to raise funds for an Innowalk, a piece of equipment that allows children in wheelchairs to experience dynamic movement and engagement in physical activity. It improves their quality of life by giving them access to activities that they couldn’t do in a seated position plus it allows them to stand tall and generate endorphins that give a great boost – good for the mind, body and soul.
“I have been rowing with a number of clubs in Limerick since I was 12 years old and am currently a member of Shannon Rowing Club – yet this will be my biggest challenge to date,” she said.
“Over the summer, the St Gabriel’s Physiotherapy Department trialled an innovative dynamic stander called the Innowalk – a piece of equipment that supports children with complex physical needs to stand, move and walk independently. There are several benefits to this piece of equipment including; promoting circulation, increasing muscle strength, improving digestion and of course supporting independence while being physically active.
“The Physio Team received fantastic feedback from the children that trialled the Innowalk as well as their parents including better sleep, decreased pain with position change and the enjoyment of standing and moving independently. On review of the amazing feedback we received, there was no way we couldn’t purchase an Innowalk and decided to complete a challenge that has never been done here in Ireland by a female. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to represent St Gabriel’s with a super team behind me to fundraise for this life changing piece of equipment. I am so grateful for all of the support, shares, donations and well wishes.”
There are lots of ways that the public can row in behind Kate.
- You can sign up to be one of Kate’s rowing buddies. Email [email protected] to register.
- You can donate online through the online donation page (links on www.stgabriels.ie)
- Ask your company to support Kate – they can get tax relief on any charitable donation over €250.
- Turn up on the day and bring some Christmas cheer to keep Kate going and keep rowing!
Marketing Manager Eimear Dwan was delighted to support the world record attempt and a very worthy charity.
“The Crescent Shopping Centre is steeped in community so when we heard about this fundraiser that St Gabriel’s were holding, we were delighted to be able to facilitate it on site. It’s taking place on Black Friday in the heart of the centre and we hope that all our visitors take a moment to see what Kate is achieving and all she is doing to help the children she is working with. It’s amazing and we wish her all the best. There is such goodwill from all the traders here and we know that everyone passing through here over the two days will give her plenty of support,” she said.
There will be special guests, festive music and plenty of Christmas cheer so please stop by as you’d never know who you’ll meet.
