Dublin woman who campaigned for HSE to provide cancer drug dies

A Dublin woman who led a campaign to force the HSE to provide a life improving cancer drug has lost her battle with the disease.

Cathy Durkin, 41, passed away just four months after launching her campaign to make the drug, known as Ipi, available to Irish patients.

Durkin was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in June 2011.

In a series of emotional interviews, Durkin said she believed the drug was her only chance of extending her time with her three children.

As a result, the HSE agreed to make the drug available to about 60 Irish cancer patients.

Durkin's family have paid tribute to her, saying she "fought very bravely and was putting on a happy face" to the very end.