Michelle O’Hare, a young vibrant 22 year old Kilcoo woman, is encouraging all ages to think about their health and take on Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke’s Tollymore Challenge Walk on Saturday 14th November.
Michelle got involved with the local charity after she suffered a minor stroke following her exams in May.
While Michelle is recovering she decided to make the most of her rehabilitation and her Marketing Degree by joining NICHS’s events team part time and was tasked with helping to organise the Tollymore Challenge Walk. Michelle said ‘I thought about turning my negative experience into a positive one. I knew of NICHS’s amazing work and I instantly wanted to help the local charity. I was delighted to join the team and was able to help them promote and recruit to the Tollymore Challenge Walk. With Tollymore Forest Park more or less right on my doorstep I’m in a good position to help. The park is a must see for anyone who hasn’t been before with it’s forest, river walks and historical buildings as well as the Mourne Mountains surrounding it! For those that know it well then you will want to return to see it in all it’s autumnal beauty.’
The 13 mile walk starts and finishes in the confines of Tollymore Forest Park and is organised in conjunction with 26 extreme’s Marathons so walkers are part of a much bigger event experience.
The event village has a great atmosphere with music, an MC, food outlet and refreshments where families and loved ones can cheer you into the finish where you are awarded a medal for all your hard work!
Michelle said ‘It’s going to be a brilliant day out! By taking part in the Tollymore Challenge Walk you will be helping NICHS raise awareness of stroke in young people, help to campaign for heart health and fund research to recognise the signs of these conditions. I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful charity and to help bring awareness to my local community and further afield of the help they provide. So join me at the Tollymore Challenge Walk on 14th November and be part of something positive! Sign up at www.nichs.org.uk/challengewalks or call 02890 266740 for further information.