A life less ordinary: hero campaigner Vicky to publish memoir next year

HERO Kilkenny cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan will release a memoir on her incredible life story next year.

Publisher Hachette Books Ireland has confirmed the book will tell Ms Phelan’s “full story for the first time”.

Ms Phelan, who is from Mooncoin and was recently named Kilkenny Person of the Year, survived a life-threatening accident in early adulthood and also suffered later battles with depression and tragedy. The memoir will also reveal her battle against cervical cancer and will be published next autumn.

Meanwhile, a new “wonder drug” the campaigner believes saved her life could be soon be made freely available to everyone with cervical cancer.

Labour health spokesperson Alan Kelly as he spoke to the media outside Leinster House flanked by Ms Phelan and fellow campaigners  Áine Morgan and Tracey Brennan (pictured above), Mr Kelly said a deal to make Pembrolizumab – also known as ‘Pembro’ – freely available could be done immediately.

“We’re here to say that we need equity of access to Pembro, which has had such a dramatic impact on Vicky’s health and life,” he said.

“The women affected by cervical cancer need the Government to step up and ensure they have access to this drug.

“I believe this could be done immediately and be sorted by the weekend … But we really need to keep the pressure on to ensure it happens.”

Mr Kelly said he has the support of Health Minister Simon Harris, adding: “The best Christmas present that these ladies can get is that Pembro is going to be available for them from here on in.”