Brendan Courtney urges Mayo to take icy plunges for heart charity

Brendan Courtney braved the chilly Irish Sea as he urged people in Mayo to take a dozen plunges to raise vital funds for heart, stroke and thrombosis patients.

The TV presenter and fashion designer, whose father Frank died in 2017 following a stroke, tested the water at Dublin’s Sandycove strand – and asked the public to take on the Irish Heart Foundation's ’12 Dips in December’ challenge, supported by Daybreak. “I like to sea swim often, but the cold water will take things to another level,” said the Keys to My Life presenter, aged 55.

“It can be a dip in the sea, a cold shower, a plunge pool, even an ice-bucket challenge 12 times next month, the most important thing is that people in Mayo raise what they can for such a deserving charity, while having fun."

An average of 16 people have a heart attack in Ireland every day, with a further 20 suffering a stroke.

Up to 600,000 people in Ireland live with a cardiovascular condition, with 85,000 discharged from hospital each year, many of whom return home to a bleak and often uncertain future, and with feelings of isolation.

To join the challenge, you can register for free here.

“We’re delighted to continue our support for the Irish Heart Foundation’s 12 Dips in December challenge,” said Niamh Ryan, Daybreak sales manager.

“Our Daybreak stores are at the heart of communities across Ireland, and this challenge is a brilliant way for retailers, their teams and customers to get involved, have some fun and raise much-needed funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. We’re looking forward to seeing people take the plunge this December.”

CEO of the Irish Heart Foundation, Emma Balmaine added: “We’re very grateful to Daybreak for the continued support as their charity partner and in supporting this fundraising challenge.

“To all those who are taking part, every dip makes a difference. Fundraising events like this are crucial to the Irish Heart Foundation. Because of your support, our work on prevention, patient support and advocacy can help save so many lives and support so many survivors. Together, we can stop lives being damaged or lost."