Ballyshannon paramedic Cathal Gallagher is set to inspire the nation when he begins his Operation Transformation journey on RTE One tonight.
The lifestyle series returns for its 12th season this Wednesday 9th January at 9.35pm.
Cathal is one of five ‘leaders’ who will be sharing their experiences for everyone to follow. Cathal, aged 48, weighs 26st 12.5lb. He is a type two diabetic and has high cholesterol and, with his training, he knows the damage his weight is doing to his health.
The passionate and caring health professional is about to take on huge lifestyle changes for the benefit of himself, his wife Agi (36) and daughter Maja (2).
Cathal got something of a surprise back in November when Kathryn Thomas and the television crew landed at his door to tell him he’d been chosen as one of the Operation Transformation leaders. He did not sign up for the challenge, but was nominated by his wife, Agi.
Agi, Cathal Gallagher, Kathryn Thomas and Maja (2) in Ballyshannon
Cathal has been working with the Ambulance service for 20 years 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 damaged his hand. After the accident, Cathal became isolated spending the majority of his time at home, eating and not exercising. It wasn’t until he joined the ambulance service that he realised his weight was getting out of hand.
Cameras will follow Cathal over the next 8 weeks as he leads the way through a new diet and fitness regime. He will be sharing his passion for health locally too, by encouraging Donegal people to get involved in fun events.
Cathal head up one of the five 3K walks in the county on Saturday, January 12th, to mark National Walks Day.
He will lead the way in the Ballyshannon 3K which will start at the Lakeside Centre at 11.00 am. The other walks will take place in Stranorlar, Maghery, Cranford and Fintown and they will also have a starting time of 11.00 am.
This year’s series of Operation Transformation has undergone something of a transformation itself. The show will have a new base, new medical expert, new challenges, and as always 5 new leaders for everyone to follow.
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