Tributes paid to Leigh Gath who ‘gave a voice to many who otherwise were silent’

Leigh Gath, the well-known and successful disability campaigner passed away unexpectedly at her home at the weekend

Tributes have been paid to well-known and successful disability campaigner, Leigh Gath who passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 27, 2024

Leigh Gath was a well-known advocate and survivor of the Thalidomide tragedy, a drug prescribed in the late 1950s and early 1960s to pregnant women to alleviate morning sickness, but caused severe birth defects. 

Leigh was born with severe physical disabilities as a result of her mother taking Thalidomide during pregnancy. The drug caused deformities in her limbs. Growing up, Leigh faced numerous challenges due to her physical condition. Despite these challenges, she showed resilience and determination.

Leigh became an outspoken advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Her personal experiences fuelled her passion for ensuring that people with disabilities receive fair treatment and access to necessary resources. 

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She would often speak at events and conferences, sharing her story to raise awareness about the effects of Thalidomide and the importance of disability rights. Leigh has worked to support other Thalidomide survivors, helping them navigate the complex medical and social issues they face.

Paying tribute on social media, the Irish Thalidomide Association said, “‘Don’t tell me I can’t’ was Leigh’s motto. The sheer sadness and shock at the sudden death of Campaigner and friend Leigh Gath is palpable. So many tributes to an extraordinary person and an extraordinary life.”

The Irish Wheelchair Association offered “heartfelt condolences” to the family, saying, “Such sad news. Our heartfelt condolences to Leigh’s family and friends. A thalidomide survivor, she was a truly extraordinary person who advocated so strongly on disability issues. A force to be reckoned with, she will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace.”

Over the course of many years, Leigh campaigned for equality on many fronts, particularly for people living with disability. As a survivor of Thalidomide, she went far beyond that condition to all aspects of inclusion, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities.

In late 2014 Leigh became the HSE’s first ever confidential recipient following the Aras Attracta abuse scandal.  She remained in the role until September 2022 and saw through many changes not only in building and adapting that role but also challenging the HSE to develop much more robust structures and processes for people who experience vulnerability in their lives.

Speaking on the news of her death HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said, “I was very privileged to know Leigh professionally and personally over several years. She achieved many great things and always for the benefit of others.  

“She gave a voice to many who otherwise were silent, and she challenged all professionals and organisations and Governments to think differently.  Leigh was never defined by her own disability.  

“When the serious work was done for a day, she was always great fun to bump into and would lift the mood of those who encountered her. To Eugene, Karl, and Aisling, we in the HSE as Leigh’s friends and former colleagues, extend our deepest sympathy.  She was a unique person perhaps best described in the title of her book ‘Don’t Tell Me I Can’t’.  May her kind soul rest in peace.”

Reposing at St. Mary’s Church, Pallaskenry on Tuesday 30th July from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday 31st July at 12:00 noon followed by burial immediately afterwards in Kilcornan Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

Funeral details available here
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