PEOPLE in Donegal who wish to pay their respects to CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan are being urged to sign up to a livestream event this weekend.
Vicky Phelan’s family have invited the public to celebrate her life this weekend.
Vicky (née Kelly) passed away in MIlford Hospice, Limerick, last week, aged just 48. She was laid to rest following a private ceremony on Thursday last, as was the wish of the mother-of-two.
Her family had stated that the public would have an opportunity to celebrate her life, and have revealed an event takes place in the parish church of her native Mooncoin, Kilkenny, on Sunday.
The event will also be livestreamed as it is not thought the church will have capacity for the large numbers expected.
In a statement posted to ‘Vicky’s Tribe’ Facebook page, the Phelan and Kelly family said that “goodbyes are never easy” and told of how their farewell to their brave and inspiring Vicky was a “very moving and deeply personal gathering” with 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.”
The family took the opportunity to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the good wishes from near and far since Vicky passed away.
“We too have felt the nations’ love and are forever grateful.”
The family said they were mindful of giving everyone who loved Vicky an opportunity to pay their respects following her untimely death.
“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, County Kilkenny, on Sunday, November 27 at 1pm, where we will do our best to honour that wish.
“As numbers in the church itself are limited, there will be a livestream available on the day.”
A link will be available on ‘Vicky’s Tribe’ Facebook page to the livestream event.
Music is expected to feature prominently in the event, which is set to feature some of Vicky’s favourite musicians performing a few of her favourite tunes on the day.
Vicky is survived by her husband Jim, their children Amelia and Darragh, her parents, John and Gaby Kelly and her siblings, Robbie, Lee, Jonnie and Lyndsey.
Vicky was diagnosed with cervical cancer eight years ago, having initially been given the all-clear. 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.
She went public, refusing to sign a non-disclosure, in a bid to help other women in her situation. She documented her journey in her award-winning book, ‘Overcoming’.
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