The family of Vicky Phelan have said that her passing will leave a void in their lives that is "impossible to fill"
Vicky passed away in the early hours of Monday morning surrounded by her family at Milford Hospice in Limerick.
In 2014, Vicky was diagnosed with cervical cancer after undergoing a smear test in 2011 showing no abnormalities.
She later settled a High Court action for €2.5m with Clinical Pathology Labs US, without admission of liability.
However, she refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement and it was discovered that over 220 other women could have benefitted from earlier treatment. Dozens of women have since died as a result of the scandal.
In a statement posted on Vicky's social media page Vicky's Tribe, her husband Jim and children Amelia and Darragh said: "It is with an immense burden of grief, that earlier today we bade our final farewell to our beloved Vicky.
She was the heart & soul of our family unit & her passing will leave a void in all our lives, that at this point seems impossible to fill. We cherish the memories of a loving wife, mother, daughter & sister, who's ability to deal with the struggles of life has inspired not only ourselves, but an entire nation.
The outpouring of grief & good wishes from far & wide are truly appreciated. Funeral arrangements when made will be private, with an opportunity for people to pay their respects in due course."
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