Vicky Phelan’s family invite public to a celebration of her life in parish church

The family of the late CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan have invited members of the public to her native Mooncoin, in Co Kilkenny, next Sunday for a celebration of her life in the parish church.

In a statement posted to the Vicky’s Tribe Facebook page on Monday evening, the Phelan and Kelly family said that “goodbyes are never easy” and last Thursday they said farewell to 48-year-old Vicky.

Ms Phelan’s loved ones said her funeral was a “very moving and deeply personal gathering” among family and friends.

“Stories were told and tears were shed, but we also shared a smile or two as we remembered the remarkable life of our wonderful Vicky. We would also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the good wishes from near and far over the last week. We too felt the nation’s love and are forever grateful.”

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The family said that they were mindful of giving all those who loved the mother of two an opportunity to pay their respects following her passing.

“Vicky was a friend to many and was keen to ensure that all who wanted had the opportunity to join with us in a celebration of her life and pay their final respects. With this in mind, we invite you to her native Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny on Sunday November 27th next at 1pm, where we will do our best to honour that wish.

“As numbers in the church itself are limited, there will be a live stream available on the day also, details of which will be posted later in the week along with further updates on the event itself. At this point it’s fair to say that music will feature prominently, with some of her favourite musicians playing a few of her favourite tunes on the day.”

Meanwhile, following her passing last week, Ms Phelan’s family asked that donations be made to Milford Care Centre hospice in Castletroy in Limerick in lieu of flowers. Ms Phelan is survived by her husband, Jim, their children Amelia and Daragh, her parents John and Gaby Kelly and her siblings Robbie, Lee, Jonnie and Lyndsey.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer eight years ago but was given the all-clear after long and difficult treatment. However, in 2018 she was informed that an audit carried out by CervicalCheck found that her 2011 smear test had been reported as a false negative. Within weeks a CT scan revealed the cancer had returned. The diagnosis was terminal.

She went public with what had occurred in a bid to help other women in her position. Her efforts sparked a debate on the treatment and care of cancer patients in Ireland.

Ms Phelan documented her journey through life in her award-winning, best-selling book, Overcoming. She made the decision to cease chemotherapy in November of last year in order to focus on making memories with her loved ones. She had previously travelled to the United States for treatment in a bid to prolong her life.