The husband of a woman who died from cervical cancer after three of her smear tests were misread has vowed to continue her fight for answers - for his wife and for other women - including his 12-year-old daughter.

Erin Harbinson's case was among those which sparked the recall of 17,500 women's results in the Southern Trust area.

Speaking at his home in Tandragee, Trevor Harbinson told UTV that his family are calling for a public inquiry to examine the scandal independently.

The Harbinson's were just days away from celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary when Erin tragically passed away, aged just 44.

Trevor described his wife as “happy”, “funny”, “bubbly” and “strong in her beliefs”.

“I promised her on her death bed that I will continue this fight”, he said.

In an exclusive interview with UTV in April, Erin revealed how three of her smear tests were misread as normal over a decade. She said that had abnormalities been picked up sooner, her outcome would have been different.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has again extended its sincerest condolences to Erin's husband, children and broader family circle. It said it will continue to liaise with the family.

The Trust previously apologised for the failures in Erin's case and disclosed that hers was among those which led to an ongoing review of 17,500 smear tests the outcome of which is expected in September 2024.

A Life Cut Short

Erin Harbinson was a vibrant and kind woman, beloved by her family and community. Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 44 due to cervical cancer, a diagnosis that could have been prevented if her smear tests had been correctly interpreted. Erin’s life was filled with love and laughter. She was a dedicated mother to her four children, Matthew (25), Liam (19), Keelan (17) and Connie (12), and a loving wife to Trevor. She also found joy in her work as a classroom assistant for special needs pupils, spreading her love and kindness even further.

Her family describes her as a “kind, caring person” and “beautiful inside and out”. She was a horse enthusiast in her youth, an attentive mother, and a dedicated classroom assistant, demonstrating her compassionate spirit in every aspect of her life. She was a devoted mother who cherished spending quality time with her children, and they enjoyed many happy family weekends together in their mobile home in Kilkeel.

A Devastating Diagnosis

In July 2021, Erin collapsed with abdominal pain, a seemingly ordinary event that would change the course of her life forever. During investigations, doctors discovered that three of her routine smear tests had come back clear, despite her diagnosis of advanced cervical cancer.

In a heartbreaking interview with UTV’s Sarah Clarke, Erin described the realization that opportunities to catch her cancer had been missed as “like my world had come out from underneath me”.

Erin’s diagnosis was a devastating blow. It was not only a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of the potential for medical errors to have a devastating impact on people's lives. She was a young, vibrant woman with so much life left to live and so much to give, and her cancer diagnosis seemed incomprehensible. The fact that the disease could have been caught and potentially stopped much sooner added to the sense of injustice.

However, Erin displayed remarkable resilience and strength throughout her ordeal. She chose not to dwell on the missed opportunities and instead focused on fighting for her own health and ensuring that other women would not have to suffer the same fate.

A Voice for Change

Even as she endured a grueling series of treatments, Erin remained a tireless advocate for others. She believed that women deserved accurate and reliable healthcare. She was a vocal advocate for cervical screening and dedicated herself to raising awareness about the importance of regular screenings. She spoke openly and frankly about her experience, urging other women to prioritize their health and seek prompt medical attention if they experienced any unusual symptoms.

Erin’s determination to speak out about her experience was driven by a deep desire to protect other women from suffering the same way. She knew that her story could make a difference, and she was determined to use her voice to empower women and ensure their voices were heard. She was a true warrior, a battle-hardened campaigner who fought for others even during her hardest days.

Erin’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of regular cervical screening and the potential for medical errors to have devastating consequences. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the change she inspired. Her family is determined to ensure that she will continue to change lives for the better. They are calling for a public inquiry in her memory to examine the scandal independently and to ensure that what happened to her will never happen again. Erin’s life was tragically cut short, but her story will continue to inspire others to fight for justice and to demand better healthcare for all.

A Legacy of Love and Advocacy

Erin’s legacy will be remembered for her kindness, her fighting spirit, and her unwavering dedication to helping others. Erin’s story is one of resilience and advocacy, a testament to the power of a single person to make a difference. She left behind a legacy of love and advocacy, a legacy that will inspire others to fight for change and to demand better healthcare for all.

Erin’s fight for answers and justice continues through her family, who are determined to ensure that her legacy lives on. They are calling for a public inquiry to examine the scandal and ensure that women are protected from similar tragedies in the future. Erin's story will continue to resonate, urging others to prioritize their health, advocate for better healthcare, and fight for justice for themselves and others.