‘I wanted to prove to other people with a disability that they can do it too’
Sometimes it’s difficult to find the enthusiasm for work, or anything else for that matter, the mojo is just not there. And then inspiration comes when you least expect it. For me, this morning, it came with the first email I opened…
Dundalk woman Alma Carroll has spent the month of June proving to herself and others that having a physical disability won’t hold her back from tackling a 100km challenge to raise money for charity.
Alma’s determined spirit has won admiration from across the community with people stopping people in their tracks to congratulate her as she navigates the routes with the support of her family and friends.
Alma said: “My best friend Cara, who has been my best friend throughout my whole life, had cancer and her husband Niall set up the 100km challenge for people to raise money for Breast Cancer Ireland.
“I’ve been using a wheelchair since I was born and I always thought to myself that I just couldn’t take part. I was negative, saying to myself that there are too many obstacles in the way. But no, there isn’t, you just have to look around, and look at what you can do for yourself and what you can’t.”
“I proved to myself that I could do it – and I did it. I wanted to prove to other people with a disability that they can do it too, whether they are in wheelchairs, or use walking aids. They don’t have to do the 100km all at once, they can do it very slowly.
Speaking about her determination to raise money for charity, Alma said: “It made me happy that I could do it for people that had cancer, like my best friend and for other people that cancer has affected, people that are young, old, aunties and uncles.
“Some may have passed away, and some have survived. It was my challenge, for them. I feel so proud of myself. At first, some people were a little apprehensive about me doing the challenge.
“But it is worthwhile. I’m sure that people might find it hard but if you really set yourself up for doing something that you’re going to be proud of, and you’re doing it for other people that have cancer, you’re going to be so happy with yourself.”
“This is a challenge that I wanted to do for myself, but I’m doing it for someone else too. My best friend Cara really appreciates it. Cara and her husband Niall Carroll worked together on setting up the 100km challenge.
“My sister-in-law Ciara was the one that really encouraged me and helped me. She said: ‘if you want something, you’re so headstrong, I don’t know what’s stopping you. If you’re saying you want to do it, do it.’
Alma said: “I have enjoyed the 100km challenge, big time. I got a lot of people stopping their cars, saying ‘well done’, and ‘to keep it up’. Some people are afraid to get out in case they meet people and get sick, and you kind of trap yourself in the house, but I have to say it has made me feel really good and positive. Now that the challenge is over, I’ve found out that I’ve come third in my category and I will be receiving a medal soon.
I’ve never done a challenge like this before. I’ve come so far. I would say to other people that have a disability: ‘Don’t be terrified. Do it your way’. I have found my own strength.”
