Joyce Campbell: Joyce Campbell realised her life's ambition when last month she travelled to Ethiopia to begin a career as an aid worker. Tragically, however, her life was cut short in a single-car accident last Sunday, the day after her 25th birthday. Two fellow Irish aid workers, Paul Brady and Alan Matthews, were injured in the accident.
She left Ireland on July 11th to work as a teacher with the Vincentian lay missionaries in Bruh Tesfah college at Welyta, nine hours south of Addis Ababa. She was one of a group of voluntary workers engaged in educational projects for children.
Campbell had previously worked in Ireland for a small NGO, Suas Educational Development, and as a student had been involved in fundraising events for International Disaster Concern. It was her intention to continue working in Ethiopia with one of the many NGOs operating in the country once her assignment in Welyta was over.
Born on July 30th, 1980, she was the youngest of the six children of Paddy and Irene Campbell of Meenmore, Dungloe, Co Donegal. She attended the local national school and later sat her Leaving Certificate at Rosses community school.
She was from an early age involved in fundraising for charities in Donegal; she also took part in sponsored swims for Crumlin children's hospital and fasted for Concern.
A former scout leader and a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul society, she was a volunteer for the Special Olympics in 2003.
Arising from her involvement in development, peace and justice issues, Joyce Campbell decided to dedicate her life to aid work in Africa.
She studied at Coventry university, where she secured a BSc in development and health in disaster management. She continued her studies at UCD, and in 2004 obtained an MSc in humanitarian assistance. Her thesis looked at models of best practice in dealing with children orphaned as a result of HIV/Aids.
Her studies over, Campbell applied to various aid agencies with a view to working overseas. Responding to a questionnaire from one agency, she explained what her religious faith meant to her: "Being Christian to me means treating others with respect and dignity. Everyone is equal, no one is above or below anyone and everyone should be treated the same."
She was thrilled to be posted to Ethiopia. A family relative, Minister of State for the Marine Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, said: "In her phone conversations and e-mails with her parents, she was very clear that she was extremely happy and found great satisfaction in work in the short time she was there."
Joyce Campbell drew great strength from friends and family. "I am one of six and my brothers and sisters live in various parts of the world," she wrote earlier this year.
"I may not see them from one end of the year to the other but I have a solid relationship with each and every one of them. I rely on my parents not just for support but for guidance."
In addition to her parents, her brothers - Derek, Stewart and Kenneth - and sisters - Helen and Mary Pat - survive her.
Joyce Ann Campbell: born July 30th, 1980; died July 31st, 2005