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OC Media
7 days ago
- Health
- OC Media
Family-friendly policy in Georgia: supporting a compassionate work-life balance
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member 'I'm Nanuka, a single mother, and I work 20 night shifts a month. I do night shifts because in Georgia, there aren't many options when it comes to work schedules tailored to women,' 30-year-old Nanuka tells OC Media. Nanuka once dreamed of becoming a psychologist - she even studied the subject at one of Tbilisi's most esteemed universities. But after becoming a mother, she took an academic break - a break that has now lasted nearly a decade. Today, Nanuka works two jobs: as a yoga instructor and at a second job in the service sector, where she works night shifts so she can take her child to school in the mornings. Strict working schedules leave her with no flexibility, not even enough time to pick her child up from school. She says that any hope of career advancement or personal development comes at the cost of her health: a few years ago, Nanuka's psychologist diagnosed her with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She often attends professional training after a night of sleeping for only two or three hours, and sometimes with no sleep at all. 'In every place I've worked, not a single employer considered the fact that I'm a mother. On the contrary, I've been rejected from jobs just because I have a child. I honestly don't understand how mothers with two or three children manage to survive,' Nanuka says. 'Of course, the quality of my work-life directly impacts how many children I can realistically raise - even being a mother of one child is very difficult for me. I get just ten days off a year. Resting, for me, has completely vanished from the dictionary'. Advertisement Nanuka's story is common in Georgia, where official statistics confirm the daily hardships faced by working parents, especially single mothers. '' Georgia's steadily decreasing birth rate According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, the country's birth rate is in steady decline. Indeed, in 2016, the Georgian government acknowledged that the country's ageing population was a problem and developed both a state policy and an action plan to address it. According to the documents underpinning these initiatives, it is expected that by 2030, the proportion of the total population aged over 65 will increase to 21%, now their share is approximately 10%. In Georgia, a state program has been in effect since 2014 to encourage childbirth: assistance is provided for the third and subsequent children born in regions where the birth rate is low Crucially, however, this programme will not improve the situation of women in terms of paid employment and caregiving, which, along with labour emigration, remain some of the main factors contributing to the declining birth rate. Indeed, the 2025 State of the World Population report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlights economic hardship as the most significant barrier to increasing fertility rates. The report, titled 'The Real Fertility Crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world', identifies economic security and support for parenthood as the primary initiatives to boost birth rates. This includes adequate and paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and affordable childcare, early education, and healthcare services. The report also emphasises the importance of raising awareness and promoting the equal sharing of responsibilities between parents. 'Economic burdens are one of the most common barriers on the road to parenthood. An intensification of parenting engagement is expected from both parents, but mothers especially. And while fathers desire more engagement, social and occupational expectations have not advanced to facilitate more equal labour distribution or time for fatherhood. In both high-income countries broadly and urbanising low-income contexts, nuclear families are becoming more common, and extended family support is less available',- mentioned in the report. Georgian cultural customs expect greater involvement from mothers, and although some fathers do wish to participate more in child-rearing, workplace conditions and financial constraints often prevent them from doing so. Formal childcare can be very expensive or hard to access, and management of occupational and domestic labour is highly onerous, especially for women, who generally carry a greater domestic burden, reveals the State of World Population Report. According to Mariam Bandzeladze, the Head of the UNFPA Georgia Country Office, the current birth rate in Georgia is 1.7, but the minimum to maintain the population level is a rate of at least 2.1. 'Family-friendly policies are among the most effective tools for increasing birth rates. In Georgia, the desired number of children per family is 2.6. Couples want to have more children, but due to a lack of support, they end up having an average of just 1.7', Bandzeladze says. Mariam Bandzeladze. Photo: UNFPA What is a family-friendly policy? A family-friendly policy is a formal approach adopted by organisations/companies and is a part of governments' social policy strategy to create conditions where employees can effectively balance their professional responsibilities with family obligations. These policies may include parental leave, flexible work arrangements, childcare support, and health-related benefits. By acknowledging the diverse roles individuals have outside the workplace, family-friendly policies foster a more inclusive, stable, and productive environment, strengthening both employee well-being and organisational resilience. The growing relevance of family-friendly policies is closely tied to two significant contemporary challenges: the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent decline in birth rates observed across many countries. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped the way people work and care for their families. In particular, lockdowns, school closures, and a necessary shift to remote work exposed significant gaps in the support structures available to working parents. The burden of unpaid caregiving intensified, especially for women, revealing the critical need for institutional policies that enable people to strike a reasonable work-life balance under both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. Simultaneously, declining birth rates have become a pressing demographic concern in numerous regions, with implications for labour markets, economic growth, and the sustainability of social support systems. A growing body of research indicates that the absence of supportive measures such as paid parental leave, accessible childcare, and flexible working arrangements is a significant factor influencing individuals' decisions to delay or forgo parenthood. Against this backdrop, family-friendly policies are increasingly gaining recognition as instruments of social well-being and strategic responses to ease structural, economic, and demographic challenges. These policies allow for more inclusive, resilient, and future-oriented societies by encouraging environments where individuals can fulfil their family and professional commitments. Some successful examples worth mentioning here include Lithuania and Estonia In Lithuania, mothers receive 18 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, with up to two years of parental leave shared between parents. Fathers benefit from a generous 30-day paid paternity leave. The country also offers subsidised preschool education and monthly child benefits to support families financially. Estonia provides slightly longer maternity leave - 20 weeks fully paid and up to 14 months of shared parental leave until the child turns three. Fathers receive 10 working days of paid paternity leave. Families also receive monthly child allowances and additional benefits for low-income or special-needs families. How do family-friendly policies benefit businesses? According to Nikoloz Nanuashvili, Legal Counsel at the Business Association of Georgia, family-friendly policies have the most noticeable financial impact on small and medium-sized enterprises. However, from a long-term perspective, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Retaining experienced and well-adapted employees, enhancing job satisfaction, and fostering loyalty are key advantages that ultimately contribute to financial gains. Family-friendly policies can sometimes have negative effects on businesses, particularly in the short term. Specifically, extended parental leaves may lead to workforce shortages, often requiring the hiring of temporary staff or placing additional burdens on existing employees. This can result in a temporary drop in productivity, especially in roles where replacing an employee is difficult or takes time. Additionally, childless employees may feel less supported or perceive an imbalance in benefits. Nikoloz Nanuashvili. Photo: FB Nanuashvili remembers when, a few years ago, two women had to go on maternity leave at the same time from the audit firm where he was working at and the challenges that came with finding equally qualified replacements. Despite the challenges, he notes that in practice, family-friendly policies contribute to stronger employee commitment, lower staff turnover, and a positive employer brand. Adopting such policies is not just a social responsibility- it's a smart business strategy. Initiatives like flexible schedules, paid parental leave, and childcare support can improve productivity, boost workplace morale, and make companies more attractive to top talent. In today's competitive market, supporting families is a forward-looking investment that enhances long-term organisational resilience and success. 'Sometimes, what's more important than financial expenses is retaining staff and having happy, well-rounded employees- that is, a team of people who can succeed both at home and at work. Yes, maternity leave can increase costs for a business in the short term. However, in the long term, when that employee returns, fully focused on their work, with reduced worries about their child and a feeling of being valued, it turns into a financial gain', says Nanuashvili. It's not just about mothers When we talk about family-friendly workplace policies, there's often a tendency to assume they focus almost exclusively on mothers. However, genuinely family-oriented practices are inclusive and designed to support all employees with caregiving responsibilities regardless of their gender or family structure. This includes fathers, single parents, guardians, and even employees who care for elderly family members. Modern family-friendly policies recognise that a good work-life balance is essential for everyone. Flexible hours, parental leave for both mothers and fathers, phased return to work, access to childcare services, and mental health support are just a few examples of the initiatives that benefit the diverse workforce of today. By moving away from outdated gender assumptions and embracing a broader approach, employers promote equality and build stronger, more loyal teams. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is actively working to distinguish between maternity leave, a right that belongs autonomously to the mother, and parental leave. Additionally, UNFPA is advocating for policy refinement and attitudinal changes that would encourage fathers to take paternity leave in cases where the mother declines to use it. This distinction aims to foster greater involvement of fathers in child-rearing and promote a culture of responsible and involved fatherhood. 'The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the research institute ISET, has developed economic models and policy scenarios to help introduce paternity leave into Georgian legislation. While paternity leave is still not officially recognised under current law, one important step has already been taken: a clear distinction is now made between maternity leave due to pregnancy and general parental leave'. 'This shift means that if a mother chooses not to take her full pregnancy-related leave, the father can step in and use that time instead. In other words, fathers can now be part of early caregiving even within the existing legal framework if the mother does not fully exercise her leave', Bandzeladze says. 'UNFPA believes that fathers should have access to at least two weeks of dedicated leave after the birth of a child. Talks with the Georgian government are still ongoing, and advocacy continues to push for paternity leave to become a recognised right in its own standing beyond what's currently allowed under the law'. In developed countries, family-friendly policies aren't just designed for childcare and childbirth; they also support employees in caring for elderly, disabled or ill family members. For example, in Germany, there is a care leave policy (Pflegezeit) that allows parents and other family members to temporarily leave work to care for a loved one. Similarly, in Sweden, leave to care for an elderly or seriously ill relative is not only available, it's also paid. These kinds of policies ease the burden on families and help people balance their personal and professional lives, which is especially important in the face of growing demographic challenges. Successful practices in developed countries around the world show that balancing family and work is possible. Family-friendly policies support both the well-being of parents and the sustainability of the country. This is a social necessity and a key factor shaping the country's demographic future. Without adequate support for families, the trend of declining birth rates will only deepen. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated and active steps from the government, businesses, and society. This primarily means implementing parent-friendly work schedules and offering remote work options where possible. Additionally, paid leave, creating child-friendly spaces at workplaces, and developing preschool and after-school educational institutions remain essential. Family-friendly policies also benefit businesses, as employees relieved of childcare worries during work hours tend to be more efficient and productive. They also develop a stronger sense of responsibility and loyalty toward their company. For Georgia's demographic future, family-friendly policies must become a priority, enabling parents to achieve a healthy work–life balance and ultimately change the country's demographic outlook.
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
10 People Who Need To Add Shilajit To Their Routine
Shilajit is a natural, tar-like resin that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas and other mountainous regions, formed over centuries from decomposed plants and minerals. Rich in fulvic acid, humic substances, and over 80 minerals, it has long been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. Considered an adaptogen, Shilajit is known for enhancing energy levels, improving stamina, supporting cognitive function, and boosting immunity. While it can be beneficial, its effects may vary, and it's essential to use it in moderation and under guidance, especially for people with underlying conditions. Keep reading as we share a list of people that can benefit from shilajit. 10 People who need to add shilajit to their routine 1. Men with low testosterone levels Shilajit has shown promise in increasing testosterone levels naturally. Men experiencing fatigue, low libido, or reduced muscle mass due to low testosterone might benefit from its regular use. Studies suggest it may support hormone balance and reproductive health. 2. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts Due to its natural ability to enhance mitochondrial function and energy production, Shilajit can improve endurance and recovery. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce muscle soreness, making it a great supplement for those with intense workout routines. 3. Individuals with chronic fatigue People who struggle with low energy or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may find relief with Shilajit. Its revitalising properties can improve energy metabolism, reduce tiredness, and help restore vitality over time. 4. People with cognitive decline or brain fog Shilajit supports brain health by promoting better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the brain. Fulvic acid, its key compound, is known to reduce tau protein buildup, which is linked to Alzheimer's. It may help enhance memory, focus, and clarity. 5. Those with high altitude sickness Traditionally used by Himalayan natives, Shilajit is known to combat high-altitude sickness. It improves oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood and enhances stamina, making it ideal for travellers, trekkers, or residents of high-altitude areas. 6. Men with infertility issues Some research suggests that Shilajit can improve sperm count, motility, and overall reproductive health in men. For those dealing with fertility problems, it might serve as a supportive natural remedy when used consistently. 7. People with weak immunity Thanks to its antioxidant and mineral-rich profile, Shilajit helps strengthen the immune system. It may protect against infections, oxidative stress, and cellular damage, especially helpful during seasonal changes or stressful periods. 8. Ageing individuals seeking vitality Often referred to as a 'rejuvenator' in Ayurveda, Shilajit supports anti-ageing by combating free radicals and supporting cell regeneration. Older adults may find it improves energy, skin health, and overall vitality. 9. People with joint pain or arthritis Its anti-inflammatory properties make Shilajit beneficial for those with arthritis or chronic joint pain. It may help reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and improve joint flexibility when used over time. 10. Those with poor nutrient absorption Shilajit enhances nutrient absorption by helping the body transport minerals and vitamins more effectively. People who suffer from digestive issues or malabsorption may benefit from its fulvic acid content, which acts like a delivery system for nutrients. Incorporate shilajit in your routine today if you could benefit from it. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Sudden joint pain? Here are 10 common (and not-so-common) causes
Having sudden, widespread joint pain can be alarming, but you are not alone. Joint pain, medically known as arthralgia, occurs when one or more joints are inflamed, damaged, or affected by underlying health conditions. According to MedicalNewsToday, causes can vary from immediate concerns like a viral illness or minor injury to chronic conditions. Inflammation can cause pain based on an infectious process, crystal or mineral deposits, or immune system problems. This causes swelling, stiffness, and often pain. Overuse or past trauma, or general ageing and wear and tear, can also cause pain. The underlying cause must be identified to give you the most effective treatment and pain relief. 10 potential causes of sudden joint pain Flu: Flu is a common infectious illness caused by influenza viruses, with symptoms like severe muscle or body aches, along with fever, chills, cough, sore throat, running nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea, especially in children. While most people recover within two weeks without medical treatment, adults over 65, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are at higher risk for complications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo COVID-19: COVID-19 can cause muscle or body aches along with symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most people have mild to moderate symptoms and recover without treatment. However, serious complications such as blood clots, heart failure, and neurological issues can occur. Higher-risk groups include adults over 65, unvaccinated individuals, people with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immune systems. Post-Viral Complications: While many recover fully from common respiratory viruses, some people experience symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection, including joint pain. Post-viral conditions include- post-viral syndrome, long COVID, and reactive arthritis. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): This is a chronic condition that can develop after a viral illness, though sometimes no trigger is identified. Common symptoms are joint pain without swelling, muscle aches, and headaches. Other signs include flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, difficulty sleeping, cognitive issues known as 'brain fog,' dizziness upon standing, and post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen suddenly after physical or mental activity. Gout: Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. This results in sudden inflammation, swelling, and intense pain, often affecting a single joint like the big toe. Gout attacks usually peak within 12 to 24 hours after symptoms begin. Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to joint inflammation and pain. Common autoimmune conditions that affect the joints include: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; managed with medication, therapy, and exercise to prevent damage. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; managed with medication, therapy, and exercise to prevent damage. Lupus: Autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs; treatments manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Affects 20% of psoriasis patients, causing joint inflammation; treated with medication, therapy, and exercise. Also read | 10 common heart health myths that you must know One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Sleepless nights, brain fog, no energy? 6 simple habits that could finally end your daily exhaustion
Do you often end up feeling tired and weak? Are you unable to do the daily activities with ease? Struggling with sleep problems? Well, this can happen due to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Yes, you have heard it right! CFS is a debilitating condition that affects daily functioning. It is essential to know the symptoms and adopting vital strategies to improve the quality of life. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kushal Bangar, consultant physician at AIMS Hospital in Dombivli, shared, 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is characterised by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and worsens with any activity. Beyond persistent tiredness, people may experience cognitive difficulties, lack of sleep, muscle and joint pain, brain fog and dizziness that severely impact daily life.' He revealed, 'While the exact cause remains unclear, factors like viral infections, immune system issues and hormonal imbalances can lead to this condition. Managing CFS is the need of the hour.' Follow these tips by Dr Bangar and you will be able to feel better. 1. Take it easy: Avoid overexertion by striking a balance between work and rest. Adhering to a structured routine can help prevent symptom flare-ups. So, don't rush and stay calm and composed. Break your tasks into small steps to be able to perform them effectively. 2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a restful environment and limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. 3. Adopt a balanced diet: Eat a nutritious diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, lentils, and seeds. Staying hydrated and avoiding processed foods. Quit smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use. 4. Exercise: Incorporate low-impact activities like walking or yoga, adjusting intensity based on your energy levels. Moreover, exercise under the guidance of a trainer and only after consulting the expert. 5. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to stay relaxed and feel rejuvenated. 6. Seek support: Connect with an expert or join support groups to share experiences and coping strategies. Remember to take proactive steps toward managing their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life. Don't be harsh on yourself and just try to remain positive. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Irish Times
04-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
ME/CFS: is there a comprehensive explanation for this long-misunderstood illness?
In 1955, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) affected more than 300 people at London's Royal Free hospital. In 1970, a study attributed the outbreak to 'mass hysteria', from which the 'it's in your head' dogma of ME developed. However, in 2006, Dr Byron Hyde revealed the 1970 study as 'totally bogus research'. And, in 2015, Prof Betsy Keller of the Department of Exercise & Sports Sciences at New York's Ithaca College observed that , given all that had been learned about this condition, 'it is intellectually embarrassing to suggest that ME is a psychological illness'. By 2021, others had reduced ME's psychological dogma to ashes, citing research showing autoimmunity, a low circulating blood volume and the abnormal function of biopsied muscle fibres. Now, in his book, Understanding ME/CFS & Strategies for Healing (2025), Irish author Patrick Ussher not only adds compelling insights to the burgeoning evidence base for ME's physical origins, but also outlines a unifying model for ME, highlighting research towards possible effective treatment. READ MORE The 36-year-old told The Irish Times that, before his ME diagnosis in 2018, 'I was a PhD student working on Stoic ethics and a composer of contemporary classical music'. [ My battle with Long Covid: I was in disbelief. Was I making it up? How could I not stand up while the kettle boiled? Opens in new window ] How did he address this daunting health challenge? 'Initially,' he says, 'I was almost totally in the dark about ME. Plenty of research exists, but very little is taught to doctors, which left me navigating the ME landscape alone. But I undertook to read and understand the latest research.' Ussher's philosophical background may have enriched his understanding of ME-related science, echoing philosopher Mary Midgley who, in her 1992 book, Science and Salvation, noted that increasing scientific specialisation means that mental maps 'are required to show fine detail correctly, less and less are they designed to show the whole territory needed for actual journeys'. But Ussher's diligence was rewarded when the evolving mental map of his life-changing illness afforded him a glimpse of 'the whole territory' in August 2021: 'That's when I encountered the research of German professors, pharmacologist Klaus Wirth and immunologist/ME researcher Carmen Scheibenbogen. They've mapped out a ' unifying model' of ME , ( A Unifying Hypothesis of the Pathophysiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) which makes sense of the interrelationship of the most important pre-existing findings, joining up the dots and demystifying the condition." [ Chronic fatigue syndrome: 'It was like a switch had been flipped. I couldn't stand up' Opens in new window ] He adds: 'For ME to make sense as an illness, it cannot be random: it must follow certain physiological laws.' These physiological laws inform the evolution of Wirth and Scheibenbogen's unifying model hypothesis, which inter alia considers a key role for autoantibodies against blood flow-related cellular receptors in skeletal muscle and the brain; the mechanisms by which ME patients develop low blood volume and systemic blood hypoperfusion (a reduced amount of blood flow); and the contribution of high muscle sodium and calcium concentrations to mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle-tissue necrosis. The refinement of Wirth and Scheibenbogen's unifying model hypothesis has led to a therapeutic concept: a drug called Mitodicure, which is 'a novel molecule to treat patients with exertional intolerance and post-exertional malaise (PEM)'. Steps are under way to attract funding for clinical trials. Mitodicure, says Ussher, 'could represent the long-awaited breakthrough treatment for ME and Long Covid. Its mechanism of action will interrupt several key vicious cycles at once, particularly targeting the mechanisms underlying PEM. 'During symptom exacerbations of PEM,' he explains, 'most illness mechanisms heighten and intensify. By preventing PEM, Mitodicure could relieve physiological burdens, enabling the body to concentrate its resources on healing. 'Mitodicure is not symptom suppression,' Ussher emphasises, 'Prof Wirth considers Mitodicure to represent a potential cure for these illnesses.' Cautiously optimistic, Ussher suggests that Mitodicure could demystify ME: 'If you have a therapeutic based on a certain disease model and it works as hypothesised, the disease model is also validated. The pill can prove the principle. So Mitodicure could offer not only improved quality of life (or better) but could also advance our understanding of ME.' Although Ussher's enthusiasm is tempered with an acute awareness of the need for scientific rigour, his approach to science appears sceptical towards the exalted status of stored facts and may align with Mary Midgley's view that stored facts are 'valueless unless you know how to use them, how to connect them with other things, how to understand them'. Ussher's book represents an interpretative scheme; a vehicle, as he puts it, 'for raising awareness of Wirth and Scheibenbogen's 'unifying model' of ME and the potential Mitodicure pill which is based on it'. [ My daily routine living with . . . chronic fatigue syndrome Opens in new window ] He wants patients and other interested parties to know that there is a comprehensive explanation for this long-misunderstood illness and that 'we urgently need investors to fund Mitodicure. The stakes are too high for trials not to happen. 'Millions worldwide need help now, especially as ME is one of the severest outcomes of Long Covid , and the recent pandemic has resulted in countless more suffering from this disease.' Some might ascribe Ussher's determination to make progress against the ravages of ME to the Stoic philosophy that he espouses. However, 'The most important influence has been my late mum, Mary Redmond . Her journey with cancer, encapsulated in her book, The Pink Ribbon Path, has given me a path to follow now, albeit imperfectly. 'Equally important to me was her work in founding The Irish Hospice Foundation. She fought for the marginalised in her life. I am trying to do the same.'
