The HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan has died at the age of 26.
Laura fronted a number of campaigns for the HSE and the World Health Organisation encouraging young women to get vaccinated.
In a statement her family described her as 'a wonderful daughter, sister and friend.'
They say Laura used her voice, her generosity and her energy to help parents to make informed choices and protect their daughters from cervical cancer.
Last Month The Co Clare native who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016 took part in a video to mark World Cancer Day.
"I wish the vaccine had been available to me, of course I do. Don’t get swayed by rumours about the vaccine’s safety – get the vaccine" Watch Laura Brennan's story. #ProtectOurFuture pic.twitter.com/ZgYem3i6TY
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 18, 2019
Laura died at University Hospital Limerick.
Her family said they are all "incredibly proud of the work she did in the last 18 months to help protect other young women like herself from the cancer that has taken her life today".
"She wanted to make a difference, and use the time that she had to right what she felt was a great wrong", a family statement read.
Since Laura contacted the HSE in 2017, uptake of the HPV vaccine has increased almost 20 percentage points, from 51% in 2017 to 70% today.
In March 2019, over 22,000 girls got the HPV vaccine to protect them from cervical cancer.
The Minister for Health Simon Harris has paid tribute to Laura Brennan:
"Laura was an incredible young woman and a powerful campaigner".
Minister Harris said "The State owes her a debt of gratitude".
"As a person, she was kind, funny and full of life. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Every time I met Laura or spoke with her, I was inspired by her."
"Amazing doesn’t do justice to her or her courage. I want to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends".
