Tipperary woman helps raise over €6,000 with charity abseil

A Tipperary woman has successfully completed a nerve-jangling challenge – and raised much needed funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

Laura Ryan Kearns from Newport took on the Heart Heroes Abseil Challenge – a 60-metre abseil from the Generator Skyview Tower in Dublin’s Smithfield.

And her courage was rewarded when family and friends came together to raise more than €6,200 for the national stroke and heart charity.

The event, earlier this month, was also tinged with sadness as Laura remembered her dad Liam, who died last year, aged 61, following a heart attack.

“My dad had no symptoms of heart disease prior to his untimely death, which highlights a need for further heart screening and awareness campaigns in Ireland,” said Laura.

“This is why I think the work of the Irish Heart Foundation is so crucial and the funds raised will enable them to continue their great work.

“It’s thanks to Dad and his legacy that we’ve raised so much for such a worthy cause. Thanks to every single person who donated. My family and I are very grateful for your support.”

Jamie Conway, Community Fundraising Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, said that people travelled from all over the country to support the Irish Heart Foundation on the day.

“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.