The funeral of HPV vaccine campaigner Laura Brennan is taking place in Clare.
She died last Wednesday after a battle with cervical cancer, and the 26 year old campaigned for the HPV vaccine since her diagnosis.
Her memorial service is taking place at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis, and both the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins will be represented by their Aide de Camp at the service.
She was diagnosed cervical cancer two years ago, and appeared in a number of promotional videos and spoke passionately as she advocated for girls to get the vaccine.
We are all deeply saddened to learn of Laura Brennan’s death, and we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. #ThankYouLaura for all you have done. https://t.co/iFpiQh7W6p pic.twitter.com/W8Rxd2aocv
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) 20 March 2019
Upon the announcement of Ms. Brennan's death, Anne O’Connor, speaking on behalf of the HSE’s Leadership Team and staff said:
‘We are all deeply saddened to learn of Laura’s death, and we feel immense gratitude and admiration for her and her family."
"Laura has defined courage and generosity as she supported our work to ensure girls get the HPV vaccine, and are protected from this terrible cancer."
"Laura came forward when she was first diagnosed with terminal cancer and our mission became hers."
In a statement last week following her death, the Brennan family said:
"Laura was a light in the life of everyone who knew her; a wonderful daughter, sister and friend. We are lost without her."
"We are all incredibly proud of the work she did in the last 18 months to help protect other young women like herself from the cancer that has taken her life today."
"Laura used her voice, her generosity and her energy to help parents to make informed choices and protect their daughters from cervical cancer."
