Longford campaigner dies following battle with cervical cancer
CervicalCheck campaigner Lynsey Bennett had a “remarkable spirit” within her, with “a vitality and energy for life” – so much so that she amazed her family by doing “wheelchair wheelies” just three days before she passed away.
Even the rain fell silently as a mark of respect as the Cervical Check campaigner, who touched the hearts of the entire nation, was laid to rest in the churchyard of St John’s Church in Longford town.
Today’s funeral mass was planned by Lynsey herself, Reverend Simon Scott revealed, with everything chosen by her, including the reflection poem, Footprints, which was read this afternoon by her beloved aunt, Irene Bennett, who was very involved in Lynsey’s care while she was sick.
Touching words were read out by Lynsey’s cousin, Rachel Bennett, who described the 34-year-old as “brave” and “the life and soul” of every party, not to mention “mischievous”.
“From day one, Lynnsey always had a mischievous streak and a glint in her eye, from getting herself stuck in a penguin enclosure in Edinburgh Zoo, or locking her babysitter, Sharon, in the bathroom, who had to be rescued by her dad, Coot,” Rachel revealed to a ripple of appreciative laughter from the congregation.
“As she got older, her antics escalated. She knew how to avoid every creak on the staircase and hop out the window for midnight adventures.”
From a young age, Lynsey always wanted to be a mother and she was blessed with two beautiful girls, Zoe and Hailee who she loved dearly,
“They were her two rays of sunshine. Everything she did was for them,” said Rachel.
“However, she still loved to make time for her father-daughter dates to Longford town matches and walks up Cairn Hill to name a few.
“The biggest thing about Lynsey was her heart and infectious smile. She was generous, kind and caring – something her nieces and god children knew all about. As one of her best friends said, she was the first person she could call for absolutely anything.”
Rachel described Lynsey as a “spontaneous person” who always “grabbed life with both hands”, recalling a time Lynsey decided to go to New York to surprise her sister, Kelly, resulting in a flight booked for the next morning.
“Lynsey was the life and soul of the party. She was always the first person on the dance floor, requesting her favourite songs with the DJ. Only three months ago, she threw a big party for her 34th birthday, where Lynsey and her sisters performed a spice girls tribute,” said Rachel.
“Lynsey was brave. Even in her darkest days, her sense of humour always shone through. Her attitude was always positive, never once asking ‘why me?’.
“Her determined nature was there to the end. Three days before she passed away, she was out in the garden doing wheelchair wheelies with her godson, much to everyone’s amazement.
“Lynsey, we are all so proud of you. You taught us how to live life to the fullest and cherish every moment. We miss you so, so much. We love you to the moon and back.”
Rev Scott, reflecting on Lynsey’s life said that, as her family and friends “reel” in their grief, Lynsey herself always took things in her stride.
“Lynsey, as we all know, had a remarkable spirit within her – a vitality and energy for life,” he said.
“An actual question which rose on all our minds is ‘why do these things happen? And why would this happen to her?’ The natural question is ‘Why me?’ Lynsey answered that with ‘why not me?’”
Before the mass ended, Rev Scott read out a note from the Bennett family, who wished to thank all those who sympathised with them at this difficult time.
“The Bennett family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who looked after Lynsey over the last few years – especially Mairead McGivney, Catherine Gill and her auntie Irene,” he read.
“Also, the endless amounts of support that Lynsey and her family received from the local and wider community over the last few years. Special thank you to Martin Glennon and his team for looking after us during this difficult time. And last, but by no means least, all her loyal friends.”
Predeceased by her beloved mother Lesley. Lynsey will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her family, darling daughters Zoë and Hailee, father Coote, sisters Averyl and Kelley, brother-in-law Craig, nieces Bella and Fiadh, uncle Cecil and his wife Irene, aunts, uncles, cousins Rachael, Jessica and Joe, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
