‘They gave me a lifeline’: The Irish charity supporting people through the worst 

It’s not often that black-tie events leave you with a lump in your throat, but the Croí Go Red Ball, held in Galway earlier this month, had more than a few attendees wiping tears from their eyes. 

A powerful reminder of the vital services the West of Ireland’s cardiac and stroke foundation provides – and the incredible support they give to people, often at the lowest point in their lives – it was an emotional night, albeit one of celebration too. Croí supporters, Robert and Paula, a couple who, having been cared for by the charity themselves, can attest to the important work that Croí do.

After a trip away took a sudden, devastating turn, Robert found himself scrambling to find a way to help his wife. “I’m not feeling too great on this work trip – can you come and collect me please?”, read the text from Paula. Neither had any idea that this would mark the most challenging time of their lives. Then a second text arrived, and Robert’s heart sank; “I’m in Sligo Hospital.” 

Making the journey from their home in Cork to Sligo Hospital, it was there he learned that Paula’s condition had worsened. She was just 44 years old when she had a sudden heart attack in June 2023. Within hours, she was transferred from Sligo to Galway, where she would undergo a life-saving double bypass surgery. 

Gripped with worry and moving from one place to another to stay near his wife, it was a very isolating time for Robert. “The hotel is an extremely lonely place if you’re on your own and you’re not sure what’s happening,” he explains. However, things changed when a nurse told Robert about Croí. 

Thanks to the generosity of Croí’s supporters, Croí were able to offer Robert accommodation in one of their courtyard apartments, mere steps away from Paula’s bedside. This gave him the stability, peace of mind and support he so desperately needed. 

Robert was also able to turn to the Croí Connects helpline for guidance and Maeve, a cardiac nurse specialist, was there to help him through. As Robert puts it, “Croí gave me more than a place to stay. They gave me a lifeline. Suddenly, I had support, and I could be there for Paula, knowing that Croí was there for both of us.” 

Leading the fight against heart disease and stroke, Croí’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery and well-being… and if you ask Robert and Paula, they’re doing just that.

“I almost didn’t make it to Christmas,” says Paula, who thankfully spent the festive period surrounded by loved ones. What got her through? The care that she and Robert received from Croí and the entire medical team at Galway University Hospital. “We hadn’t heard of Croí until we needed them,” she tells me. “Now we’re so grateful to be able to give back, just as they were there for us.”

Employer Solutions at Irish Life is Ireland’s trusted partner for Corporate Ireland to help create and deliver a better life for their people by providing financial, physical and mental wellbeing advice, guidance and solutions. Speaking at the Go Red Ball last month, Damian Fadden from Irish Life, the title sponsor of the event, praised the organisation’s tireless commitment to public education, prevention, and direct patient support. “We share a focus on heart health, wellbeing awareness, education, and early intervention,” he said. “Our partnership isn’t just strategic—it’s purposeful. At Irish Life, our mission is to help people live better lives.” 

Damian, director of strategic partnerships at Employer Solutions at Irish Life, pointed to innovative solutions like their Heart Care programme (delivered in conjunction with Care-Connect) as important services Irish Life provides to help people live healthier, better lives. The Heart Care Programme equips members to monitor their own blood pressure, heart rate and other indicators from home, supported remotely by experienced clinical experts. Employer Solutions at Irish Life collaborates with employers to create and deliver a wide range of workplace benefit solutions to help their people lead healthier and better financial lives and ultimately drive business success.” 

“You never think it’s going to be you,” Robert notes. “But when it is, you hope someone will be there.” Thanks to Croí, someone is.

There are lots of ways to support the vital work that Croí does, including online donations. Find out more information and how you can help here.