Five years ago — May 29, 2010 — a headstone donated by Dr Roland Pattillo was placed by a family on the grave of their mother: ‘In loving memory of a phenomenal woman, wife and mother, who touched the lives of many. Here lies Henrietta Lacks (HeLa). Her immortal cells will continue to help mankind forever. Eternal love and admiration. From your family.’

It will be a year tomorrow since Brian Lenihan died at the young age of 52 of pancreatic cancer.