Health

Stephen Teap becomes CEO of cancer support organisation

The father of two became patient advocate after his wife Irene died of cancer arising out of deficiencies in CervicalCheck programme

Cervical cancer campaigner Stephen Teap has fought for accountability and improvements within the health system since the death of his wife, Irene
Cervical cancer campaigner Stephen Teap has fought for accountability and improvements within the health system since the death of his wife, Irene
Olivia Kelleher
Thu Aug 01 2024 - 12:34

Father of two Stephen Teap who became a patient advocate after his wife died of cancer arising out of deficiencies in the CervicalCheck programme has become the CEO of Cork Arc Cancer Support House.

Irene Teap, who lived in Carrigaline, Co Cork died on July 26th 2017 at the age of thirty five. At the time of her death the couple’s sons Oscar and Noah, were aged just four and two. Irene was diagnosed with Stage two cancer in 2015, following two false negative smear tests in 2010 and 2013.

In December 2022, the HSE and laboratories CPL and Medlab admitted liability in the High Court, acknowledging their breach of duty of care to Irene, which led to her death.

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Since the death of his wife, Stephen has fought for accountability and improvements within the system in Ireland. With a background in finance, a long run in the motor industry and having undertaken a course on advocacy at UCC Mr Teap is now taking up a role with Cork Arc Cancer Support House.

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In a post on X, Mr Teap said he is thrilled to announce that he will be the new CEO starting at the end of this month.

“This amazing charity in Cork has been supporting those affected by cancer for over 20 years, something very close to my heart. Excited to meet the dedicated staff and volunteers when I called in earlier today!”

Mr Teap has long volunteered as an advocate for people with cancer. He came up with the idea of the 221+ support group in 2018 to support people impacted by the CervicalCheck scandal. He put it in place with the help of the late Vicky Phelan, Lorraine Walsh, Liz Yeates from the Marie Keating Foundation, and the Irish Cancer Society.

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Today, support packages from the HSE are in place for members of 221+. Also, all the women involved and their families have been connected so they can support each other moving forward.

Following Irene Teap’s death her ashes were spread in Allihies on the Beara peninsula.