Won over by Winfrey and a desire for chocolate

Photograph: The Irish Times

Karen Clancy is national co-ordinator for the Myasthenia Gravis Association

Family/personal : Married to Paudie with one child, Áine.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Oprah Winfrey. Inspirational, humanitarian and philanthropic person - she uses her fame and money in constructive ways.

What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?

Working for the Myasthenia Gravis Association I've realised that there is a great need for more neurologists in this country. Some MG patients have to wait for years to see a neurologist to be properly diagnosed and treated for their muscle weakness illness.

There is also a need for GPs and other medical professionals to be educated on lesser known illnesses such as myasthenia gravis so that they can be more readily diagnosed. Personally, I had a bad experience with very poor hospital hygiene when my baby was born last year.

What is your greatest extravagance?

A relaxing day in a spa once a year.

What is your most unhealthy habit?

Chocolate - lots of it.

How do you relax?

Going to bed early.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Take That.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A world without problems.

What trait do you most value in your friends?

I have great friends and family and really value their support whether it's a helping hand with fundraising for MGA or babysitting.

What talent would you most like to have?

The ability to have and maintain a work-life balance. I find it difficult to mentally break away from work.

Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?

Yes, as much as I can for a range of different ailments.

What is your earliest memory?

I can clearly remember regular visits to my grandparents' house and having fun with my grandfather who died when I was three years old.

What is your most treasured possession?

My 15-month-old daughter.

What other career might you have chosen?

I chose fashion design. I studied and worked in fashion for almost eight years but when cancer hit my immediate family I decided to change from the materialistic world to something more positive.

What books or films have inspired you?

The book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne has inspired me to think positively. Also, Oprah Winfrey can have some very inspirational shows.

• In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times