Ballyshannon man Cathal Gallagher has been revealed as a leader for the new series of Operation Transformation.
The Donegal paramedic was stunned this afternoon when TV presenter Kathyrn Thomas turned up at his family home to tell him the news.
Cathal (48) will be leading the nation on the RTE lifestyle programme in the New Year as thousands of people join the OT challenge for a healthy new start.
Cathal is the first-ever OT leader not to apply himself. In fact, it was his wife Agi who set him up for the challenge to give him a ‘big kick’!
Agi, Cathal Gallagher, Kathryn Thomas and Maja (2) in Ballyshannon
On why he’s starting this journey now, Cathal said “I look after people, I forgot to look after myself”.
“It’s time to put myself first for a change,” he said, as he looks forward to improving himself for his family.
Cathal has successfully lost 12 stone in the past and will be setting out to lose weight again and inspire others.
Cathal has been working with the Ambulance service for 20 years now and loves his job. He has a huge passion for helping people and putting the needs of others before his own.
He is also a peer support worker, which involves supporting other colleagues who have dealt with hard situations.
Before working with the ambulance service Cathal worked in a factory. It was here that he was involved in an accident which crushed his hand. He ended up having the tops of his middle finger amputated as it got infected. After 7 surgeries doctors were able to restore 75% functionality in his hand.
After the accident, Cathal said he became isolated, spending the majority of his time at home eating contently and not moving much at all. It wasn’t until he joined the ambulance service that he realised his weight was getting out of hand.
Cathal currently weighs 26st 12.5lb and is a type two diabetic. He has high cholesterol and with his training he knows the damage his weight is doing to his health.
He said he fears he will die in his sleep, but wants to be around to see his daughter Maja (2) grow up. As Maja gets older and more active Cathal admitted that he struggles to keep up with her. He wants to change this lifestyle and be a good example for his daughter but also his work colleagues.
The new series of Operation Transformation begins on RTE in early 2019. Cathal is sure to have many supporters in Co. Donegal and beyond as he embarks on his inspirational journey.
