Cervical cancer campaigner Lorraine Walsh: ‘I was made out to be crazy'

‘There were times when we were in the Department of Health and I whispered to Stephen [Teap] and said, “you say this Stephen because if I say it as a woman, I'll be dismissed"

Campaigners Vicky Phelan, Stephen Teap and Lorraine Walsh at the launch of 221+ Cervical Check Patient Support Group at Farmleigh House in Dublin. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

When Lorraine Walsh picks up the phone on a Wednesday lunchtime, she’s between appointments. A work call, an interview with the Irish Examiner, and a check-up with her consultant gynaecologist.

Her day job, her advocacy and her health — the three pillars of her life she’s been juggling since 2018.