Cervical Check campaigner Lynsey Bennett had “an infectious smile” and “was the life and soul of the party” who did everything for her two young daughters, her funeral heard earlier today.
Hundreds of grief-stricken mourners including pop-star pal Una Healy packed in St John’s Church in Longford after the 34-year-old passed away from cervical cancer last Thursday.
Reverend Simon Scott told those in attendance the entire service was planned by Lynsey herself.
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The funeral heard how Lynsey had a “remarkable spirit” and stunned her family by performing “wheelchair wheelies” for her godson just three days before she died.
In an emotional eulogy, her cousin Rachael Bennett told funeral-goers: “From day one, Lynsey always had a mischievous streak and a glint in her eye, from getting herself stuck in a penguin enclosure in Edinburgh Zoo, or locking her babysitter, Sharon, in the bathroom, who had to be rescued by her dad, Coote.
“As she got older, her antics escalated. She knew how to avoid every creak on the staircase and hop out the window for midnight adventures.”
She added: “From a young age, Lynsey always wanted to be a mother and she was blessed with two beautiful girls, Zoe and Hailee, who she loved dearly.
“They were her two rays of sunshine. Everything she did was for them.”
Rachael also revealed Lynsey loved her “father-daughter dates” to Longford Town games and walks up Cairn Hill.
Rachael added: “The biggest thing about Lynsey was her heart and infectious smile.
“She was generous, kind, and caring, something her nieces and godchildren knew all about.
“As one of her best friends said, she was the first person she could call for absolutely anything.”
The funeral also heard how just a matter of months ago Lynsey threw a big bash to celebrate her 34th birthday where she, along with her sisters, performed a Spice Girls tribute.
Rachael said: “Lynsey was the life and soul of the party.
“She was always the first person on the dance floor, requesting her favourite songs with the DJ.
“Only three months ago, she threw a big party for her 34th birthday, where Lynsey and her sisters performed a Spice Girls tribute.”
Rachael went on to call Lynsey “brave” and said “even in her darkest days, her sense of humour always shone through. Her attitude was always positive, never once asking ‘why me?’
“Her determined nature was there to the end.
“Three days before she passed away, she was out in the garden doing wheelchair wheelies with her godson, much to everyone’s amazement.
“Lynsey, we are all so proud of you.
“You taught us how to live life to the fullest and cherish every moment. We miss you so, so much. We love you to the moon and back.”
Mourners also heard how Lynsey was a “spontaneous person” and told funeral-goers about a time when the CervicalCheck campaigner decided she was going to visit her sister Kelley in New York and was on the plane the next day.
Rev Scott said: “Lynsey, as we all know, had a remarkable spirit within her - a vitality and energy for life.
“An actual question which rose on all our minds is ‘why do these things happen? And why would this happen to her?’
“The natural question is ‘Why me?’ Lynsey answered that with ‘why not me?’”
Before the end of the service, Rev Scott read a note to mourners from the Bennett family, it said: “The Bennett family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who looked after Lynsey over the last few years - especially Mairead McGivney, Catherine Gill, and her auntie Irene.
“Also, the endless amounts of support that Lynsey and her family received from the local and wider community over the last few years.
“Special thank you to Martin Glennon and his team for looking after us during this difficult time. And last, but by no means least, all her loyal friends.”
Lynsey was then brought from the church into the adjoining churchyard where she was buried.
Several family members held white roses which they threw into the grave while Rev Scott spoke.
Lynsey first made national headlines when she gave a heartbreaking statement outside the High Court in Dublin after settling an action over an alleged cervical cancer misdiagnosis.
She had sued the HSE, as well as Irish testing laboratory Eurofins Biomnis Ireland Ltd, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin, and US Laboratory Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, New Jersey.
A settlement was reached, and Lysney set up a trust fund for both of her children.
Speaking to the media after the case she said: “To my daughters Zoe and Hailee, I hope I have done enough to secure you both a future free of financial worries and that even with me not here to guide you, you can both pursue your dreams.
“And always remember, Mammy loves you”.
She was diagnosed with an invasive form of cervical cancer in 2017 and went to court in 2021.
Lynsey later appeared on the Late Late Show saying she was relieved that her children would have support in the future following her High Court action.
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