James, Kaitlyn, Bobby and Jaime Ferns are Ireland Fittest Family Finalists!
The Clare family have delighted the whole of the County over a wet and dreary January and February.
The RTE show is a great unifier, bringing people and families together of a Saturday evening, shouting support and encouragement at their TVs.
The Clare Echo sat down with the Ferns family in the run up to the final show to get a sense of what it was like for them as the journey comes to an end.
James begins by thanking us all at the paper for the brilliant support before saying, “There has been a great buzz of excitement this week coming up to the final. Lots of people have called in to our health shop in Francis Street to wish us well. Lots of people have shared how much joy watching us each week has given to them and we truly appreciate all the support”. James continues by saying, “What an all-round amazing experience with my kids. It is a memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life and I’m so proud of them. We were often seen as the underdogs, being such a young family, but we never minded that. We took it one event at a time, stuck together and proved that with a positive mind-set anything is possible.”
“My highlight of Ireland Fittest Family was meeting Davy Fitz” Jaime explains. “He quickly turned into one of my best friends and we had a lot of fun moments together. He really helped me when I suffered from exhaustion. He was the first one over to me. I have learned how to face a lot of my fears because it was such a hard thing but it was all okay in the end, knowing that my Dad was behind me and my brother and sister were beside me” “ It has improved my mental strength when it comes to playing soccer with Avenue FC”.
Kaitlyn agreed with her youngers sister saying , “Ireland’s fittest family was one of the best experiences of my life so far. Competing side by side with my Dad and two younger siblings has been incredible. I’ve learned so much about myself and my abilities. I’ve learned how to push myself in
difficult situations when I think there may be nothing left in tank but I find an inner strength to keep going. I’ll have the value of these life lessons for the rest of my life”.
Bobby concludes “It was a really good experience to have with my family. My highlights include getting the chance to take part in some of the events. They were great fun and also a great opportunity to meet new people. I have learnt to never take things for granted, believe in your family, never give up and never let fear get in the way.”
We are so grateful for all the support from our families and the people of Clare. Whatever happens on Saturday we are already winners in every way that matters.
