'Get your checks done...' Longford campaigner's message remembered on her fourth anniversary
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Longford MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Hussey paid a heartfelt tribute to his good friend, CervicalCheck campaigner Lynsey Bennett, on the fourth anniversary of her passing, and reminded women of the important health messages she championed following her diagnoses.
A Longford councillor has urged women not to postpone medical checks and to trust their own instincts, as he marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of his friend Lynsey Bennett, who passed away from cervical cancer aged just 34.
The Killoe woman was a much-admired CervicalCheck campaigner who spoke publicly about her experience and the importance of cervical screening.
In a poignant tribute, Longford MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Hussey remembered Lynsey and her efforts in encouraging other women to prioritise their health.
He also urged women to seek a second opinion if they felt something was wrong, even if they had previously been reassured that everything was fine.
In the tribute, he wrote, “...more than anything, I want to remember you and everything you achieved in your short life. You had so much more life to live, so much more to give, and so many more memories to make with your beautiful girls.”
Cllr Hussey reflected on Lynsey’s own experience with cervical screening, saying, “What happened to you should never have happened. You did everything you were supposed to do. You went for your checks, you trusted the system, and that system failed you.”
Cllr Hussey praised Lynsey’s strength in raising awareness for health checks and her determination to help prevent other women from going through the same ordeal as hers.
He said he truly believed her work had saved lives, writing, “...through everything you were going through, you found the strength to speak out, to tell your story and to try to make sure other women wouldn’t have to go through what you did.”
“I truly believe you saved lives. Probably more than you’ll ever know. And that is something I will always be so proud of you for.”
Cllr Hussey reiterated the importance of the message Lynsey had championed to women.
“...as we remember you, I want to share that message again for every woman reading this. Please get your checks done. Don’t put them off. And if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it, even if you’ve been told everything is fine. Ask questions, go back, get a second opinion if you need to.”
“Because as Lynsey always said to me, you know your own body better than any doctor.”
“If sharing her story today makes even one woman book that appointment, ask another question or get something checked that she’s been putting off, then Lynsey’s voice is still making a difference.”