[1][2] Tinsley began writing for The Irish Times on the state of cystic fibrosis care in Ireland in 2005 when they were 18.
Their work launched a decade-long campaign to improve awareness of and healthcare services for cystic fibrosis in Ireland.
[3] In September 2008, for their work they were named Rehab Young Person of the Year[4] In April 2009, they appeared on Late Late Show after writing several pieces in The Irish Times holding government to account on broken promises to build an adult cystic fibrosis unit in Dublin.
In April 2011, Tinsley presented, co-wrote and researched a special documentary for RTÉ's flagship current affairs programme Prime Time to apply pressure for building to begin at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin.
[8] In July 2012, after campaign work over numerous years, a dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Unit opened.
[13] In late 2012, Tinsley launched a campaign to get Kalydeco into Ireland after experts rejected making the drug available because it was too expensive.