Sarah to lead Operation Transformation Walk in Kilnaleck

Thousands of people across Ireland are set to take part in the biggest ever RTÉ Operation Transformation Nationwide Walks event this weekend at more than 80 venues across the country.

Three such walks will take place across County Cavan in Kilnaleck, Cootehill and Virginia with one of the team leaders Sarah O'Callaghan from Ballinagh leading the walkers in Kilnaleck.

OT fitness expert Karl Henry will join Sarah in Kilnaleck for the walk, starting and finishing at Crosserlough GAA Grounds. The walk planned in Cootehill will start and finish at Halton's Amenity Park); while Virginia walkers will start and finish their route at the Virginia Show Centre.

With new walks, this year's event, which has been organised in conjunction with Sport Ireland and the Local Sports Partnerships, is the biggest in the show's 11-year history. Over 100,000 people have taken part in nationwide walks to date with tens of thousands expected again this time around.  

The walks are open to all comers - young and old, experienced walkers and those looking to jump-start their January health kick - and will take place at venues throughout the country from 11am on Saturday, January 13, 2018.  

Karl Henry said: "Walking is great for all levels of fitness and a great way to get the heart pumping and best of all it is the is the easiest and most accessible exercise there is. Our Nationwide Walks are an excellent opportunity to kick your 2018 off to a great start and to support our five new leaders. It's totally free and walkers can take it at their own pace - but remember if you're not panting, you're not working hard enough."

Sarah has become a regular on our TV scenes since the new series of Operation Transformation commenced on RTE and is doing well on the programme.

Last November, she was surprised by Kathryn Thomas and the team behind the TV programme who travelled to Ballinagh to surprise her with the news that she had been selected as a team leader.

This is the latest stage in an emotional journey for the 27-year-old Ballinagh women. Sarah found out she had breast cancer when she returned from her honeymoon in May 2015 and, since her diagnosis, had put on a lot of weight eating takeaways.

“What no one else could give me, food gave me,” said Sarah.

To follow Sarah's healthy eating and exercise regime, log on to https://ot.rte.ie/