It is with the heaviest of hearts we share news of the passing of patient advocate, ambassador, and dear friend Clodagh Downing. Everyone at the Marie Keating Foundation who had the privilege of knowing Clodagh is heartbroken by her loss. Our entire team and board send their deepest condolences to her beloved husband Daniel, her adored son Fintan, sister Caroline, brothers Joseph and John, extended relatives, and many friends.

Clodagh was a ray of light in every room she walked into and a joy to be around. Even when she lost her voice, she still commanded attention with her vibrant energy, warmth, and powerful presence. Her joyful demeanour, quick and wonderfully cheeky sense of humour could bring a smile even at the toughest of times. If you know Clodagh’s story, you will know she faced challenges no one should have to face, and she did it with strength, grace, and a wicked sense of humour. She loved life and spoke with such adoration for her husband Daniel and son Fintan, her pride and joy.

Behind the cheeky humour and sense of fun, Clodagh was also an incredibly intelligent, intuitive, creative, and driven woman. After her own harrowing journey to finally get a diagnosis of bowel cancer, she became a powerful patient advocate. A leading voice and ambassador for change. Joining forces with some other fierce women she met through the Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living Group, they founded Bowel Cancer Ireland. As women all under fifty with incurable bowel cancer, they saw the lack of awareness and the significantly unmet needs of people with early onset bowel cancer. They decided they were going to do something about it and make sure that the rise in diagnosis in people under fifty could no longer be ignored.

Alongside Deirdre Fleming, Niamh Conroy, Patricia Stack and Michael Murphy, Clodagh formed part of our 2023 bowel cancer awareness campaign #NoRegrets. A powerful campaign that was inspired by how young these people were facing an incurable cancer that if caught early, is very treatable. Sadly, highlighting further, the need for change, three of these original ambassadors have left our world. We remember Patricia and Michael today too along with Jane Mc Coy who was also a core founding member of Bowel Cancer Ireland who featured prominently in our 2024 campaign. This has been a year of too much heartfelt loss within this community.

Clodagh was a friend to many and a fierce supporter of others as every person who joined the Bowel Cancer Ireland community can tell you. She was always there to offer support and advice. With the support of our Director of Nursing Helen Forristal, Clodagh was a valued member of our Positive Living community who will all miss her dearly.

Clodagh took a stand and forged forward towards change, and she has been a driving force towards such change on a national level. Changes in public awareness driven by Clodagh and Bowel Cancer Ireland, with our support every step of the way. It has been a privilege for us to stand behind and alongside her, we are profoundly grateful for all her support, time and the commitment she gave to anything we ever asked of her.

Rest peacefully Clodagh, your power and radiant energy will remain a driving force for all who knew you. You are an inspiration, you have taught people to live with joy, humour, compassion, and an inspiring determination to fight for what they believe in. Your light will remain with everyone who was gifted with its presence. Go gently Clodagh to your resting place, we will remember you always. With love.