PHOTOS Kate Healy breaks Rowing World Record in aid of St Gabriel’s at Crescent Shopping Centre

Therapist and experienced rower Kate Healy breaks a 24-hour World Rowing Record at Crescent Shopping Centre in aid of St Gabriel’s Foundation, November 29-30, 2024. Picture: Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Limerick woman Kate Healy breaks World Rowing Record while raising funds for a life-changing piece of equipment for St Gabriel’s

Kate Healy who broke a World Rowing record to raise funds for a life-changing piece of equipment for St Gabriel’s Foundation was supported by hundreds of people at the Crescent Shopping Centre this last weekend.

Kate, a therapist with St Grabiel’s and experienced rower, rowed her heart out in the atrium of the Crescent Shopping Centre for 24 hours to raise funds for an Innowalk, a piece of equipment that allows children in wheelchairs to experience dynamic movement and engagement in physical activity.

Combining her two passions, Kate broke an Irish, European and World Record by being the first Irish female rower (20-29) to row consecutively for 24 hours. As voters all over Limerick took to the polling stations, Kate was rowing her heart out in the atrium of the Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick from 11 am on November 29 to 11 am, on November 30.

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Speaking about taking on the challenge, Kate said, “I have been rowing with a number of clubs in Limerick since I was twelve years old and am currently a member of Shannon Rowing Club – yet this will be my biggest challenge to date! 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.”

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 was holding, we were delighted to be able to facilitate it on site.”

With the attempt taking place over Black Friday at the Crescent, the organisers were happy to see visitors take a moment to support Kate pushing her to achieve her goal.

Kate’s fundraising attempt smashed the goal of €60,000 to help purchase the Innowalk equipment, with the current total raised standing at more than €63,000 through the EventMaster fundraising page.

Supporting Kate on the day was Stuart Mackey who told I Love Limerick, “I just think what Kate is doing is an amazing initiative in itself, but the Innwalk is going to help so many people.”

Brian O’Leary, Manager of Crescent Shopping Centre told Richard Lynch he was “absolutely delighted” for Kate breaking the World Record, he said, “I am really, really excited for her. It’s an incredible achievement, it’s delightful to be happening here in the Crescent as well.”

Pushing alongside Kate were members of Shannon Rowing Club as well as other supporters, having broken the record, Kate told I Love Limerick, “It is absolutely amazing, I am so proud to have so many supporters from the local community and afar as well from all the sports clubs, many rowing clubs. Loads of families from St. Gabriel’s and many of my team members from St Gabriel’s, so I’m so thankful.”

Donations are still open for those who would like to support Kate and St Gabriel’s provide life-changing services to children in Limerick and the Mid West. 

DAY 2

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

DAY 1

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick