Vicky Phelan’s family has said her passing will leave a void in their lives that is "impossible to fill" - as President Michael D Higgins said the CervicalCheck campaigner “made an enormous contribution to Irish society.”
Ms Phelan, 48, died in the early hours of Monday morning at Milford Hospice in Limerick after battling cervical cancer since 2014 after she was misdiagnosed.
The beloved mum-of-two children – Darragh, 10, and 16-year-old Amelia - had undergone a smear test in 2011 showing no abnormalities, before her diagnosis three years later. Ms Phelan then exposed the CervicalCheck screening scandal in Ireland after discovering she was not told she had been given incorrect smear test results.
READ NEXT: Vicky Phelan's family hail 'beloved' cancer campaigner in touching statement after sad death
In a touching statement posted online, her husband Jim and children said: "It is with an immense burden of grief, that earlier today we bade our final farewell to our beloved Vicky.
"She was the heart & soul of our family unit & her passing will leave a void in all our lives, that at this point seems impossible to fill. We cherish the memories of a loving wife, mother, daughter & sister, who's ability to deal with the struggles of life has inspired not only ourselves, but an entire nation.
"The outpouring of grief & good wishes from far & wide are truly appreciated. Funeral arrangements when made will be private, with an opportunity for people to pay their respects in due course."
Her childhood friend David Brennan has told of his devastation over the death of his “big sister”. David was friends with Ms Phelan since she was three years old and, at one stage, even lived with her in her family home in Mooncoin in Kilkenny.
He said: “She was like a big sister to me. I lived in the house with her at one stage. My house was only across the back garden and just at one point, I had to move in with the Kelly’s (Vicky’s maiden name)
He said locals in Mooncoin has been “deeply affected” by her death, adding: “Not only is she a Mooncoin girl, she’s a national treasure, she’s a mammy, she’s an aunt..”
David said he wasn’t surprised “knowing Vicky and knowing her personality” that if anybody was to put up a fight, it would be Vicky.
“People who know her, know her very strong personality… it is basically down to her being a mammy that wanted to stay with her babies for so long,” he told Ray D’Arcy on RTE Radio 1.
David recalled when Vicky was left devastated after she was seriously injured in a car accident in France when she was a teenager, which saw her then boyfriend lose his life and her pal was left paralysed.
“I remember it very well. In fact, Vicky herself knows how deeply that affected a lot of people around Mooncoin at the time.
“I can remember exactly where I was standing when I found out from her brother Lee and her cousin Andy that she had been in such an accident. It was awful. Her boyfriend was killed, her friend Katie was paralysed from the neck down.”
David said he remembers how “unhappy she was” with the medical care she received when she returned to Ireland.
He said he last spoke to Vicky in the wake of the passing of fellow CervicalCheck campaigner Lyndsey Bennett, who died last month at the age of 34.
“She was very upset about it.”
He said he had spoken to her father John hours after Vicky’s death, saying he was “holding up.”
“He’s a very strong person. He’s holding up. I can’t imagine what he is going through. It is not a natural thing to do to see your daughter go before you,” he said.
David said Vicky was “pragmatic, open and honest” about death, saying some of the last text messages he received from her was about Dying With Dignity, in which she told David she hoped she “goes quickly”.
“The very last message was I hope I go quickly. In the end she went very peacefully”.
President Michael D Higgins joined fellow healthcare activists, politicians and celebrities to pay tribute to Ms Phelan, who campaigned for change to healthcare in Ireland.
Courageous Vicky became the voice of the women affected by the failures in the cervical smear testing system and President Michael D Higgins said she “made an enormous contribution to Irish society”.
He said: "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. 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.”
Ms Phelan’s friend and fellow campaigner Stephen Teap, whose wife Irene died of cervical cancer, said he was heartbroken to lose his “great friend”, saying another Irish woman had been “taken from us too soon”.
“Five 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 her wisdom, love and great sense of humour.
“We will miss you Vicky, thank you for just being you, rest in peace my good friend.”
Cervical Check campaigner Lorraine Walsh said she met Vicky for the first time in Heuston Station in Dublin on their way to the Department of Health, admitting she was “quite nervous” meeting her.
“She had had such an impact on everybody. She had this way about her. She was fantastic with people. She was always interested in people’s lives and their story, and she just had that warmth about her and I think that’s why people are having such an outpouring of sadness today because she was a real woman. She was very honest.”
Labour TD Alan Kelly, who is a close friend of Ms Phelan, also paid an emotional tribute to the Limerick native, saying: “The day I met Vicky, my life changed. “
He called her the “most resilient person I ever met” and even though he “knew this day would come” it was still shocking.
“I was with her seven or eight days ago. I was inside with her in Limerick and I was with her for an hour,” he said.
“Her maiden name was Kelly and as I was leaving because she was getting some treatment, I had to leave. I just turned to her and said, ‘the Kellys will always be together’.”
Elsewhere, Averil Power, CEO, Irish Cancer Society, said Ms Phelan “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. “
Ms Power said cervical cancer “robbed her of her future” but because of her advocacy, others will “never have to go through what she went through.”
Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council said she was “honoured” to have met her on numerous occasions.
“Vicky Phelan was an absolute inspiration to so many women and girls and everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her courage in speaking out about the failings in our health system, her resilience in the face of adversity, her authenticity and her kindness.
“Despite the precious little time she had left, she never stopped to speak out and challenge the status quo. She tirelessly and selflessly campaigned for women and women’s health and we will be forever grateful for her contribution to making Ireland a better place for women and girls.”
Ms Phelan’s solicitor Cian O’Carroll spoke of how she dismissed all attempts to gag her, saying “she was determined that she was going to fight her case in court”.
He said: “She never stopped and it came from that sense that truth and honesty were the most important thing.
“She explained so many times how she found the evidence in her own records that there had been this discovery, that there was a mistake made in her care, that her smear test had been misreported and then that had been kept from her.
“She took it upon herself, she didn’t accept attempts to gag her, she was determined that she was going to fight her case in court, that if they weren’t going to deal with her reasonably, and that nobody was going to hush her up on this because she knew other people were affected.”
Mr O’Carroll said this led to the campaign to ensure other people found out the truth of what happened to them and that they had access to new drugs to fight the disease as well as support for victims and their families.
“She fought for all that, while she was fighting for her own life.
“That is why people warmed to her, that’s why people had a sense that she was sincere, she was honest, she was brave.
“Truth and honesty were so important to her.”
Mr O’Carroll said from the first he met Ms Phelan he knew he was dealing with someone special and said his first meeting with her ended up with a hug – something that normally wouldn’t happen in his office.
“The first day I met Vicky Phelan, here in the room that I am speaking to you from now, that meeting ended with a hug, which doesn’t usually happen.
“She made connections with people, she radiated a warmth and the sense of humour that you were talking about, she was great craic and brilliant company to be in, the best company to be in.
“Even when she was so sick, she was still brilliant craic, it was in her, it just came to her so naturally.
“The whole country has lost one of the most inspirational leaders we have seen in a very very long time and she was inspirational because she spoke the truth and led with sincerity.”
In 2018, Ms Phelan settled a High Court case against Clinical Pathology Labs US, receiving €2.5 million without admission of liability. Her statement on the steps of the court lifted the lid on the scandal of women not being informed that there had been doubts about their initial tests.
It led the Government to commission the Scally report into the controversy and a state apology and other women and families affected to form the 221+ support group.
The 221+ support group said they felt like they have lost their “biggest big sister”.
“We are shattered,” the group said in a statement.
"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.”
The group added that Vicky “raised her voice in 2018 because she wanted those in power, those with responsibility to learn from their mistakes.” In her own words, two years ago, she said:
‘I don't want your apologies, I don't want your tributes, I don't want your aide de camp at my funeral, I don't want your accolades or your broken promises, I want action, I want change, I want accountability.’
“Let those words be her legacy. Cervical screening saves lives.
“It failed Vicky in life. In her memory those with responsibility must ensure that it never fails others,” the group added.
Dr Gabriel Scally said that Ms Phelan stood up for all of the women in Ireland, adding that he was privileged to have worked with her on the inquiry.
Dr Scally added: "In years to come, she will be regarded as having a seminal influence on healthcare in Ireland and changing it towards a much more patient, sensitive and respectful system."
Dr Scally described Ms Phelan as “such a tough woman, beyond belief really”.
"I first met her the day I was appointed and I wanted to see her as soon as the Government had asked me to take on this and she was delighted to meet me.
“She met me in a room in the hospital where she was having her first treatment and I couldn’t believe she was doing that in the hospital on that day, while having the first of her series of treatments.
“She was absolutely clear about what she wanted, and she wanted the whole thing exposed and opened up to daylight and for women to have a right to know what happened to them, and for when things went wrong to have an opportunity to say ‘well I want them to be sorry for this, admit to it and tell the truth.’”
Dr Scally said Ms Phelan “stood up for herself and for the women of Ireland as well”.
"She knew her chances of surviving the cancer weren’t great but she gave every ounce of energy she could possibly could.
“She did so much and she will be regarded as someone who made a really fundamental shift.
“Her commitment gave her strength, gave her strength when she saw things moving and all the women coming forward and being told properly what happened to them.”
Taoiseach Michael Martin said Vicky “stood up for the public interest”.
“I think this is very, very sad news,” the Taoiseach told RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne.
“I think she was a woman of extraordinary courage and integrity who stood up for the women of Ireland, but women globally.
“To her family, to her husband and her family, in particular, we extend our deepest sympathies.
“I think in the history of this country, I think her actions, particularly in terms of not signing a confidentiality agreement at that particular time and her statement outside the steps of the High Court, will live long in the memory as an example of someone who stood up against the system and the normal conventions of actions to say ‘no, I'm not signing that. I want this revealed in the public interest’.
“She stood up for the public interest.
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar extended his sympathies to Ms Phelan’s family.
“Today Ireland has lost a woman of limitless courage, compassion and strength. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Vicky’s family, particularly to her children on the loss of their incredible mother,” he said.
“Vicky was a shining example of the power of the human spirit. Her fight to uncover the truth and the courage with which she faced her illness made her an inspiration to us all.
“We mourn her as a nation, as a society, and as individuals.”
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly tweeted that “Vicky leaves a legacy of enormous and enduring impact which has touched the lives of so very many people.”
HSE Chief Executive Stephen Mulvany also expressed his condolences to her family, saying “Ireland has lost a great advocate for women’s health.”
Former Health Minister Simon Harris said Ms Phelan “made our country a better place”, adding: “Everyone who came into contact with her was the better for it. Her advocacy and determination brought about change. Her kindness and decency brightened lives.”
He said: “The most incredible advocate I’ve ever met. Thinking of her family and friends.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said Ms Phelan “inspired so many people by her courageous campaigning, her warmth and her determination, despite her own illness.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “Ní Bheidh A Leithéid Ann Arís. Vicky Phelan, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Champion of Women, Campaigner who took on the State and won. Rest in Peace.”
Celebrities also shared their sorrow over her death.
Broadcaster Charlie Bird – who had hoped to climb Croagh Patrick with her earlier this year – said he was “heartbroken”.
“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.”
Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy described her a “extraordinary, iconic woman” as he sent his condolences to her family.
He posted a “light-hearted” pic of the of the pair on his Instagram, saying Vicky had a “wonderful sense of devilment.”
He said: “I’m at a loss for words today. Our friend, Vicky Phelan has died. She fought and she fought like few others.
“Strength, bravery, humour, kindness, generosity, intellect and love… some of the words helping me describe this extraordinary, iconic woman.
“May Vicky rest in the peace she deserves,” he added.
Actress Amy Huberman said she was an “incredible woman”, who amplified “voices and fighting for the women of Ireland.”
Claudine Keane described her a “true inspiration” and a “beautiful person”, while former Miss World Rosanna Davison said "Another heartbreaking day for Ireland and Irish women. Thank you Vicky for all you've done for us. Rest in peace."
Ireland AM star Muireann O'Connell shared a heart wrenching post dedicated to Vicky.
She said: "All the superlatives have been used about Vicky Phelan and everyone was deserved.
"Yet another person pushed into being a campaigner because of egregious failings in our systems.
"And if not for Vicky looking at her chart when the doctor was out of the room, how long could it have gone on for.
"I think we all saw Vicky living so fully with terminal cancer that we never thought this day would come.
"We owe so much to her & while we all feel this loss, it’s Vicky’s family and especially her children Amelia & Darragh who are saying goodbye to a woman years before her time. RIP Vicky."
RTE star Anna Geary also paid tribute to the late mum-of-two.
She said: "RIP Vicky. You fought for your voice to be heard. You fought for other women too.
"A fight you should never have had to fight in the first place!
"But you were brave and courageous and a force to be reckoned with.
"You gave others strength and comfort. And hope.
"You have helped change the landscape of women's health. Thank you.
"Sending my deepest sympathies to all your loved ones today. Rest easy xxx."
RTE star Doireann Garrihy shared a clip of Vicky encouraging women to get their smear tests.
Doireann said: "So many lives saved because of Vicky. A remarkable woman who will never be forgotten."
Model Grainne Gallanagh wrote: "What an unbelievable lady. RIP Vicky,"
Former Ireland AM presenter Anna Daly shared her sympathies for Vicky's family and friends.
She said: "RIP Vicky Phelan. You've achieved so much.
"You changed a mindset. You challenged. You comforted. You spoke out.
"Rest in peace you beautiful powerhouse of a lady."
Vicky wrote a memoir, Overcoming, in 2019 which became the An Post Book of the Year. Earlier this year she was awarded the Freedom of Limerick, and was named as one of the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women around the world in 2018.
A documentary of her life called 'Vicky' was screened recently.
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