Every week, we will take a look at inspirational and motivational females throughout history, those that have inspired us in the past and those who continue to inspire us every day.
This week, we take a look at the life and career of the great Christine Buckley who sadly passed away this morning.
1. She was a survivor.
Christine was abandoned by her mother at just three weeks old. The daughter of a Nigerian medical student and a married Dublin woman, Christine grew up in Goldenbridge Industrial School where she suffered horrendous abuse over the years. However, she overcame and qualified as a nurse, even through this difficult school system.
2. She was the first person to speak out about the abuse she endured.
Christine went public with her ordeal in the media and was one of the first women to speak openly about the abuse she endured and witnessed. Christine appeared on the Late Late Show in 1992 and told Gay Byrne about the abuse she had endured. She also took part in the Dear Daughter documentary which charted the abuse she had endured while in Goldenbridge.
3. Her battle with cancer.
Despite a long battle with cancer, Buckley still continued her work for abused victims in state care. In December 2012, Buckley was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D) by Trinity College Dublin in recognition of her work. She passed away on March 11th 2014 after a long battle with the disease.
4. The Aislinn Centre
The Aislinn Centre was established by Survivors of Institutional Abuse, Christine Buckley and Carmel McDonnell-Byrne. Christine had been speaking about the abuse she suffered for more than 28 years. The Centre is open to all Survivors of Institutional Abuse and their families, who wish to use the services provided. Christine worked on a voluntary basis in the centre.
5. Her legacy.
Despite a very difficult life, Christine has inspired countless others to speak out and discuss the abuse they suffered, but also to seek help. She worked tirelessly over the years to help these people on a voluntary basis. A great woman has passed away today. RIP Christine.
