Friday 19 April, 2024

Operation Transformation's 5km finale challenge left everyone at home bawling

An emotional end to the series.

SERIES EIGHT OF Operation Transformation came to an emotional climax last night.

The leaders faced the challenge they’d be working towards over the last eight weeks – the 5km Phoenix Park challenge.

RTÉ RTÉ

Pregnant Jean turned up to support her fellow leaders Cathal, Siobhan, Pamela and Paul.

Despite struggling with an injury going into the event, Siobhan completed thanks to the support of the general public (and Kathryn Thomas).

pamela

kathryn

Cathal vowed to run the 5km next year and beat the time he set.

Inspirational #OperationTransformation pic.twitter.com/WjDJBw1ZV2
— Dr. Eddie Murphy (@dreddiemurphy) February 27, 2019

Dr. Eddie Murphy / Twitter

Never mind the ad break challenges, people were too busy mopping up their tears.

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Ah lads #OperationTransformation grand finale 🙈🙈 ball of emotion!! Unreal the lot of em 🙏
— noreen barry (@Noreen_Cillide) February 27, 2019

noreen barry / Twitter

#OperationTransformation has me sobbing into my chocolate bar! Couldn't not do the ad break challenge after watching them ace the 5km! pic.twitter.com/ZSyV2MKIKj
— fiona walker (@fionawalker20) February 27, 2019

fiona walker / Twitter

Gosh surprised at how emotional watching #OperationTransformation is making me feel. Well done to all the leaders there were very inspiring pic.twitter.com/RkUpayIHCf
— Susan Manning (@susanmanningC4) February 27, 2019

Susan Manning / Twitter

Collectively, the leaders lost 10.5 stone, but it seems to be the personal change observed in the leaders that made the biggest impression on viewers.

Many related to Paul and Siobhán’s struggle to find a good work-life balance. Jean’s story of loss deeply resonated with families across Ireland. Cathal got frank about mental health, while Pamela quit the smokes for her family.

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Paul’s journey has been incredible. I was seriously worried for him. He looked exhausted and just done! Now he looks thrilled with life. What an amazing change. Here’s to an amazing future for him, his wife and two kids. #OperationTransformation
— Polly Doyle! (@Peeleens) February 27, 2019

Polly Doyle! / Twitter

Positive broadcasting has its place. @OpTranRTE has been teriffic this year. Well done to everyone involved. And thanks to the show, in addition to #100DaysOfWalking, there are a good deal of us feeling a bit better than we did at the turn of the year. Let's keep going!
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) February 27, 2019

Dermot Keyes / Twitter

Of all the people on #OperationTranformation, the one I most identify with is Paul. The weight loss thing is a small part of it. Embracing your emotions and accepting you can’t do it all by yourself, and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, is crucial.
— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) February 27, 2019

Philip Nolan / Twitter

Here are the leaders’ individual results:

Paul: 2st 12lb
Cathal: 3st 10lb
Siobhan: 1st 13lb
Pamela: 15lb
Jean: 12lb (before leaving the show)

DailyEdge is on Instagram!

Follow us: dailyedge

Author

Fionnuala Jones

Send Tip or Correction View all articles

Your Voice

Readers Comments

1

This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.

Download our app

Operation Transformation's 5km finale challenge left everyone at home bawling

Never mind the ad break challenges, people were too busy mopping up their tears.

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Here are the leaders’ individual results:

DailyEdge is on Instagram!

Leave a commentcancel