CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan has died.
Vicky died in the early hours of this morning at Milford Hospice in Limerick - having been diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.
She had undergone a smear test in 2011 showing no abnormalities but was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014.
An internal CervicalCheck audit had found Ms. Phelan's original smear check result to be wrong.
Waterford-born Vicky's campaigning led to the Scally Independent investigation and 2018 report into the controversy.
Her work ultimately resulted in a state apology.
In an interview Vicky did on Déise Today for the launch of her book in 2019, she said it was connecting with and helping people that gave her strength.
"That's the nicest part of all of this, actually. People always ask me what it is that keeps me going - and what keeps a smile on my face. As soon as you start helping other people, I now understand it at this stage of my life. When you help somebody else, it makes you feel better about yourself. It might only be a small thing. Kindness, in whatever way that you can give it, and offer it to somebody else - and it means so much to somebody else. It will actually make you feel better about yourself. I'm helping a lot of people, but they're helping me."
Vicky also worked at Waterford Institute of Technology before moving on to Limerick, with an Honorary Research Chair having been named in her honour earlier this year.
Vicky joined WIT in 2006 to work in the Literacy Development Centre in the School of Education & Lifelong Learning.
She is survived by her husband Jim, and children Amelia and Darragh.
To listen back to Damien Tiernan in conversation with Vicky in September 2019 - press the play button on the photo of Vicky above.
