CERVICAL cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan has died at the age of 48 in the loving embrace of her family.
Ms Phelan, a resident of Annacotty in Limerick, died in Milford Hospice this Monday morning. She has for many years found refuge in Doonbeg in west Clare, where she owned a home as she battled against cancer and recuperated from the myriad treatments she undertook.
Clare TD, Deputy Cathal Crowe said he was “heartbroken” to hear of the death of Ms Phelan this morning.
“A debt of gratitude, perhaps greater than we will ever know, is owed to Vicky, Laura Brennan and all the other women whose lives were taken all too soon.”
His Fianna Fail colleague Senator Timmy Dooley said in a post on social media, “So sad to learn of the passing of Vicky Phelan – such a wonderfully brave woman who made a positive impact on the lives of so many. May she rest in peace and may her family find comfort at this very difficult time.”
Ms Phelan, who despite her ongoing battle with cancer, has for the past five years led the campaign for better women’s health in Ireland and greater accountability in the health sector and public life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CguKz92D9LX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
She emerged as a campaigner for women’s health rights following her successful suing of the state in 2017 after it emerged a misdiagnosis of a smear test of hers in 2011 led to delayed diagnosis and treatment of her own cervical cancer.
Fab, Philip. And here's my little piece of heaven, Doughmore beach in Doonbeg, last week 🥰 pic.twitter.com/G1cyTrBSUS
— Vicky Phelan (@PhelanVicky) October 25, 2020
Ennis-based Councillor Mary Howard said, “Today is a sad day. A light has gone out for so many with the awful news that cancer finally won and Vicky Phelan lost.
“As we all know Vicky has had a long fight with cervical cancer and was a huge advocate who worked tirelessly for women’s health and especially for those who suffered from cervical cancer.
“I had the privilege of meeting Vicky a number of times she was bright, bubbly with a sense of fun, she was a straight talker with no fear. She was beautiful, bold and brave.
“I wish to offer my condolences to her parents Gaby & John her husband Jim children Amelia & Darragh and her wide circle of friends and supporters. Peaceful rest to you Vicky.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vicky Phelan. Her commitment and determination for change was inspirational. Condolences to her friends and family. RIP
— Mary Considine (@MaryConsidine11) November 14, 2022
Leading the tributes nationally, President Michael D Higgins said, “All of us who had the privilege of meeting Vicky Phelan 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.
“She will of course be missed above all by those closest to her. May I express my deepest condolences to Vicky’s parents Gaby and John, her husband Jim, her children Amelia and Darragh, and to all of her family and friends.”
It is with a broken heart that we say goodbye to my great friend Vicky Phlean who got her wings today. 5 years ago she was told she only had a few months to live, she defied all the odds and through her strength and courage became a national treasure honouring us all with (1/3) pic.twitter.com/62Z7NWvrvF
— 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕋𝕖𝕒𝕡 (@Stephenteap) November 14, 2022
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “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.”
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
Averill Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said, “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.
“On top of her national advocacy, which will leave a lasting impression on Ireland as a country, Vicky was so generous with her time and energy to support others affected by cancer.
“She spoke candidly about her own experience, including the physical and sexual side effects of her cancer and treatment, which was a catalyst for better conversations and supports for women facing similar situations.
“In response, the Irish Cancer Society piloted the Women’s Health Initiative, to help women cope with a wide array of symptoms caused by their cancer treatment – including sexual problems, infertility and premature menopause. This ground-breaking programme for women was inspired by Vicky’s openness about the implications of her own cancer treatment, which also helped other women to break their silence regarding their own challenges.
“Most of all we will remember Vicky’s good humour, her empathy, her kind-hearted nature and her openness that contributed so much to Irish life and to the cancer community in recent years.
“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.
“Our thoughts today are with her children, Amelia and Darragh, husband Jim and all her family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam”