Kildare woman and dog to walk 100kms for heart charity

A Kildare-based stroke survivor is taking on a 100km walking challenge with her dog in aid of the charity that guided her through a health nightmare.

In December 2020, Sallins woman Sharon Fitzharris (36) had just been made redundant from her marketing role due to the pandemic, when she experienced a stroke.

Next month Sharon will embark on the challenge to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation, which has given her ongoing support since.

The challenge will see people and dogs across the country complete the walk throughout the month of June.

Sharon will take part in the Irish Heart Foundation’s Walk 100km with your Dog in June challenge alongside Danann, her mini-Dachshund.

“Danann came into my life as a tiny puppy full of joy after my stroke and made the worst parts of my difficult recovery so much more bearable,” she said.

Recalling the health emergency, Sharon said she was getting ready to meet friends when she felt a jabbing pain in the left side of her head.

She initially thought it was a bad migraine, but after a few days of being on a waiting list with persistent pain, nausea and dizziness, she finally got an appointment with her GP.

“They recommended I go to A&E for a brain scan, as a precaution,” said Sharon.

“On the way to the hospital, my health began to severely deteriorate and when I arrived, I was incoherent and didn't know my own name.

“I mixed up my words and was slurring my speech - the receptionist saw the F.A.S.T. [face, arm, speech, time] signs of stroke and I was immediately brought to triage.” Sharon was given medication to dissolve a clot and her family were told that she was in a critical condition.

She was diagnosed with a stroke, cognitive difficulties, subsequently epilepsy and was told she may never regain her full health.

The stroke team at the hospital helped with rehabilitation of her speech, physical capabilities and cognitive abilities.

Two weeks later, she was released, heavily medicated and completely dependent on her parents and her siblings.

“I was feeling isolated and reached out to the Irish Heart Foundation,” she said.

“That is where I met the Stroke Group Coordinators, who have been an amazing support to date.” Sharon is now a member of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Young Stroke Survivors’ Network and the Peer-to-Peer Support Group.

“Being involved with the Irish Heart Foundation has given me the opportunity to meet other stroke survivors, take away from the feeling of isolation, share stories and build friendships.

“I needed people who understood my situation to talk to and to support me and I found this sense of connection with the Irish Heart Foundation.”