Bernadette Phillips is a well-known Waterford social scientist and activist for older people.

Two months ago, she fell while out and about in Waterford city and after various tests in UHW, was found to have untreatable cancer.

Today, Bernadette is a patient in the palliative care unit (the Dunmore wing) of University Hospital Waterford.

Married to Stan Phillips, himself a well-known local poet, retired counsellor and podcaster, Bernadette is now gravely ill but maintains a very positive attitude  and has a deep gratitude for the life she's had, including over two decades with her beloved Stan.

Yesterday afternoon (Thursday), Damien visited Bernadette in hospital. She wanted to tell her story - and in particular, appeal to people to become blood donors because a blood transfusion she had after her collapse, proved vital for her.

You can listen back to Damien's chat with Bernadette by clicking the link on the image above.