Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died at the age of 48.
Vicky Phelan blew the lid off the cervical check scandal in April 2018 by refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement in her case against the US lab which misread her smear.
The mother of two was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.
An internal CervicalCheck audit found that despite her routine smear in 2011 being reported as clear of abnormalities, it in fact clearly showed she had cancer three years before her diagnosis. She wasn't told about the mistake until 2017.
Despite her terminal diagnosis, Vicky fought for answers on behalf of the women of Ireland. She appeared before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee in May 2018.
Vicky's insistence at going public with her story led to the resignation of the head of CervicalCheck and ultimately to an inquiry into the screening programme led by Dr Gabriel Scally, which was published in September 2018, making fifty recommendations.
Vicky was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Limerick in 2018 and published a memoir, 'Overcoming' in 2019, which won the An Post Irish Book of the Year award.
Until recently Vicky had been receiving treatment in the US but as her condition worsened it was recommended that she return home for palliative chemotherapy.
She is survived by her husband Jim, and two children Amelia and Darragh.
"Courage"
President Michael D Higgins says: "All of us who had the privilege of meeting Vicky will have been struck by the powerful inner strength and dignity with which she not only faced her own illness, but with the sense of commitment to the public good and the rights of others with which she campaigned.
"Vicky, in all of this, made an enormous contribution to Irish society. Thanks to her tireless efforts, despite the terrible personal toll she herself had to carry, so many women’s lives have been protected, and will be protected in the future.
"She will be deeply missed, by all of those who were in awe of her courage, her resilience, offered not only to women but to all of us in Ireland."
"Selfless"
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says: "On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I extend my deepest sympathies to her husband Jim, children Amelia and Darragh, family and friends.
"Vicky was a woman of extraordinary courage, integrity, warmth and generosity of spirit.
"She made a very significant contribution to public life in Ireland and Vicky’s actions and commitment will live long in the memory of the entire nation.
"Vicky ensured the embedding of the principle of full public disclosure in the area of public health. Vicky stood up for the public interest, particularly in relation to the CervicalCheck scandal.
"She was an outstanding advocate for women across this country, and across the globe.
"Vicky always gave selflessly of her time to help others, even though she was going through severe illness herself.
"The people of Ireland have a deep affection for Vicky, and will always hold her contribution to public life in the highest regard."
"Shattered"
The 221+ group says: "Today we have lost our biggest big sister. We are shattered. She told us this day would come but she fought so hard and so well that we couldn’t let ourselves think it would happen.
"Our hearts go out to Jim, Amelia and Darragh and to Vicky’s Mam and Dad, her sisters and brothers and her extended family. Our pain is suffocating just now but it is nothing compared to their loss."
Vicky's friend, broadcaster Charlie Bird, says his heart is broken:
My heart is broken just hearing about the passing of Vicky Phelan .
Over the past year she gave me great support to keep fighting my terminal illness.
This whole country should be in mourning at the passing of this remarkable human being. My heart is broken. My hero is gone.— Charlie Bird (@charliebird49) November 14, 2022
"Legacy"
Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society says: "Today it is no small understatement to say we are poorer for the loss of Vicky Phelan, but truly richer as a nation for the contribution she so generously made to Irish life.
"Vicky refused to be silent in the face of great personal challenge and the issues she brought to light changed the course of history for women in Ireland.
"Without her courage and her determination, others would not have known the truth behind the Cervical Check failings.
"Despite her own experience Vicky was a staunch champion of screening and tirelessly encouraged others to take up the offer when it was their turn.
"Unselfishly – and true to her trademark sense of fairness and conviction – it is the promotion of screening that is such an important part of Vicky’s legacy, which will go on to save many lives.
"Cervical cancer robbed her of her future and left her coping with severe side effects during her final years. Because of her advocacy, others will never have to go through what she went through.
"We owe her a debt of gratitude that we must work tirelessly to repay by ensuring that women’s health is prioritised and promoted. Vicky’s legacy demands nothing less."
