WHEN James, Kaitlyn, Bobby and Jaime Ferns returned home from competing in the fourth heat of Ireland’s Fittest Family they were sore, bruised, exhausted but triumphant. It had been a long 13 hour day (17 hours by the time they arrived back home in Ennis).
The weather had been brutal while they were competing. It rained relentlessly while filming the episode with barely a dry moment to find some reprieve.
A lot of downtime between events was spent in the car with the heater on full blast trying to dry off and stay warm but not even the weather could dampen their spirits.
The close family bond they share was evident as the whole of County Clare (well, the lucky ones with power) shouted at their TV screens, cheering the Ferns family on last Saturday evening.
We watched the family work tirelessly together, lifting 800 litres of water, swimming through bogs, climbing rope ladders, suspended over lakes, jumping an 8ft wall and making it to the top of a 10ft ramp cumulating in a huge hug of joy and relief at the end.
Unbeknown to viewers the Ferns had become very friendly with the Dempseys throughout the day and were extremely sad to see them go home.
James mentions how “the Dempsey family are one of the nicest families anyone could ever hope to meet and we still keep in touch”
It’s one thing to hear about the events and challenges of Ireland’s Fittest Family but quite another experience to see your family on television.
Tracey Ferns explained what is was like to see her husband and three children complete their challenges. “My sister in law Mairead and her husband Stephen very generously offered to host the watch party. They were absolutely amazing, going above and beyond for us. Our families were there cheering the lads on. It was a very special night”.
“I couldn’t be more proud of them. They all worked so hard physically, mentally and emotionally but had such good fun taking part”.
“They have made precious memories for a lifetime. “As a mother your heart would be in your mouth looking at some of it but I have so much belief in them and in James I didn’t worry too much”.
“I got landed with all of the washing”, she jokes “and 12 pairs of runners to get ready for the quarter final!” My main focus however, was their recovery. They were cut and badly bruised especially on their knees so I made sure the cuts were cleaned and freshly bandaged every day until they healed. They ate nutritious foods, stretched well and soaked in Epsom salts. Horse Balm muscle cream and arnica really helped to ease the soreness. Magnesium vitamin B, C and omega supplements were essential for replenishing their body’s strength.
Kaitlyn, Bobby and Jaime are having great fun with the new family Tik Tok, Ferns_Family which shows updates, funny videos and with more behind the scenes footage to come from the quarter finals it’s definitely one to watch!
