The life and legacy of the late Vicky Phelan was celebrated in poignant style in Tralee at the weekend as local cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, hosted the Kerry stage of the nationwide Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour.

The Tralee-based charity joined forces with portrait owner David Brennan and friends and family of the late cervical cancer campaigner for the two-day awareness raising initiative, which was kindly hosted by MTU Kerry and supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance.

The Sólás Centre at MTU’s North Campus was the location for the weekend’s activities, which began on Friday night with an emotional, but hugely inspirational unveiling of the portrait by owner and lifelong friend of Vicky, David Brennan.

In front of an audience of over 100 invited guests, including some of Vicky’s friends and parents John and Gaby, David gave an empowering insight into every aspect of the stunning portrait, beautifully detailing the symbolism of each section.

Another of Vicky’s friends, John Wall, was also there to speak about who he called ‘Vicky the person’ and, like David, offered a wonderful insight into exactly the kind of woman Vicky Phelan was, away from her media persona.

Deirdre Walsh of Radio Kerry was also on hand to moderate a fascinating panel discussion with prominent cancer awareness advocates, including 221+ campaigners Lyn Fenton and Caoimhe O’Neill Forde, as well as inspiring 18-year-old Roísín Ní Chadhla – BT Young Scientist and Student Public Health Researcher.

Recovery Haven Kerry Chairperson Tim McSwiney and Dr Brendan O’Donnell, MTU Registrar, both spoke eloquently on behalf of their organisations, in welcoming the tour to Kerry.

As part of the weekend’s programme, the stunning portrait was also on public display at the Sólás Centre on Saturday morning, where, once again, David Brennan, explained its origins and meaning behind it. The previous night’s speakers and Vicky’s parents were once again present for Saturday morning’s event, which was attended by over 60 people.

“Given the nature of our work in supporting those with cancer and their families, we are honoured to have been part of this special and very moving event which celebrates the legacy of a remarkable woman and continues her work of raising awareness and the importance of self-advocacy,” said Recovery Haven Kerry manager, Gemma Fort.

“We are extremely grateful for the co-operation of MTU Kerry, particularly the Department of Nursing and Healthcare Studies under the leadership of Dr Gerardina Harnett, and the support of Tralee Chamber Alliance and many other local businesspeople and community groups.”