A year ago, on November 14h 2022 we woke up to the news that Vicky Phelan, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a fighter had finally been overtaken by the scourge of cervical cancer.

Our first thoughts this week are for her children Ameila and Darragh her pride and joy, her husband Jim, her mother, and father – Gaby and John, her siblings, extended family, and friends. Vicky impacted the lives of so many and as we all remember her today, may our thoughts turn to her family.

Vicky was one of a kind, a woman of enormous heart and courage who is remembered by us all as someone who strived for better and was unrelenting in her pursuit of justice.

Vicky was told she only had a few months to live but defied the odds turning those few months into 5 years dedicating so much of the time she had to her pursuit of justice.

Vicky has left an indelible mark on Irish society and her efforts on behalf of women to improve open disclosure and our screening system will live on her name.

The Marie Keating Foundation is proud to have co-founded 221+ at Vickys request and to continue to support those affected.

Vicky would not be silenced, she stood up for herself and others and we will continue to do the same.

Thank you, Vicky, you are sorely missed.