Several public figures have paid tribute to cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan following her death eary this morning.
Vicky died in Milford Hospice Limerick after a long battle with cervical cancer. The mother-of-two had been one of hundreds of women affected by the Cervical Check Scandal, which saw hundreds of women receive a false negative result in 2011.
RTE veteran Charlie Bird led tributes to Vicky, saying that his “heart was broken”. The two had become close friends after Charlie went public with his Motor Neuron Disease diagnosis.
READ MORE: Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan dies aged 48
The broadcaster wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke about Vicky’s passing on RTE. He told presenter Claire Byrne that Vicky’s efforts to shine a light on the women affected by the Cervical Check scandal would never be forgotten.
He told RTE: “I think she was a woman of extraordinary courage and integrity who stood up for the women of Ireland, but women globally. She stood up for the public interest. To her family, we extend our deepest sympathies.”
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also acknowledged Vicky’s tireless work for the women of Ireland, describing the advocate as having “taken on the State and won.” She extended her condolences to Vicky’s family and wide circle of friends.
Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, also penned a touching tribute to Vicky and thanked her for her contributions to Irish society. She said that Vicky's openness about her cancer experience inspired other women to seek out support.
Averil wrote: "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.
She continued: “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."
The campaigner had battled a terminal diagnosis since 2018, although she had been undergoing chemotherapy as recently as this year. She won the prestigious Freedom of Limerick award this February for her efforts to raise awareness on women’s health.
Vicky is survived by her two children Amelia and Darragh, her parents and her separated husband Jim, who she remained good friends with until her passing.
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