Vicky Phelan hopes to 'make it through Christmas' with no hospital trips

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Cervical Check campaigner would be awarded the honorary Freedom of Limerick City in the new year.

She will be recognised for her work in “uncovering the Cervical Check scandal and her tireless support of other women who have been affected and are fighting for justice.”

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the mum-of-two responded to a horde of congratulatory messages – one of which she received from her “new BFF” Charlie Bird.

In his tweet, Charlie, who was recently diagnosed with motor neuron disease, shared how proud he was of his pal, saying: “So happy to see Vicky Phelan is being awarded the freedom of Limerick.

“She deserves the Freedom of Ireland for what she has been put through. So honoured that I met her recently.

“Vicky you are my new BBF. Stay strong and hopefully we will climb Croagh Patrick together.”

Responding to the 72-year-old's kind message, Vicky wrote: “Ahhhhh Charlie Face throwing a kiss Thank you for thinking so highly of me, my friend.

“I am thrilled to be honoured with the Freedom of Limerick, a city that has been very good to me since I made my home here over 12 years ago & prior to that for 6 years as an undergraduate & graduate student.

“And don't you worry, I am minding myself now and focusing on being as well as I can be for the hike up Croagh Patrick in March. That will be my next goal once I make it through Christmas with no unexpected hospital visits or new tumours. We will prevail, my friend.”

In a series of replies to other well-wishers, Vicky explained that she hoped to have enough energy to enjoy Christmas day with her family.

“I am thoroughly enjoying the wind down to Christmas now with the kids on holidays. I am feeling good and that's all that matters for now,” she said.

“That's what I am hoping for - that I will have enough energy to get up early with the kids Christmas morning and to be able to enjoy Christmas Dinner without vomiting it back up. So far, so good.

“Yes, time cannot be bought unfortunately BUT I can spend the time that I DO have wisely and that is exactly what I am doing. I am spending every minute of it with the people I love and making memories for them to look back on when my time runs out.”