Northern Trust Gift of Life Day highlights life-changing impact of organ donation

The lasting legacy and life-changing impact of organ donation have been highlighted at a special Gift of Life event organised by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Staff from Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units and theatres at Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital attended the event, which featured a range of guest speakers sharing their personal insights. Hearing from transplant recipients, donor families and healthcare professionals, attendees were reminded of the extraordinary difference organ donation makes in saving and transforming lives.

Among those in attendance was 18-year-old Connie Taylor from Carrickfergus, who underwent a multi-organ transplant (stomach, small bowel, liver and pancreas) when she was aged just 13 months old.

Connie said: “I was very poorly and very, very young but fortunately I was able to find the right donor just in time. Thankfully, with the help of organ donation, I got a whole new life. It was kind of a miracle really, a brand-new lease of life. I would encourage anyone who can to sign up and donate and help someone live their life to the fullest.”

The Gift of Life day was organised by Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Jackie Heasley. She said: “We wanted to create a space where staff could learn more about organ donation through the voices of those directly affected, helping to build their confidence, awareness and compassion around what is a very sensitive time.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to all our speakers who joined us on the day and collectively helped us to understand the extraordinary impact that organ donation and transplantation have on the lives of others.”

The event was also attended by Dr Janet Gray MBE, Chair of the Northern Trust’s Organ Donation Committee. As a blind person, she emphasised the importance of cornea donation: “Cornea donations are very, very low and it’s so important for people to donate corneas because that gift of sight is just such an amazing thing to do. Organs give people a second chance at life and they create life, which is so amazing.”

To donate organs after death, a person needs to die in hospital in specific circumstances. This applies to only around one in every 100 people, making every organ donor registration and family conversation vital.

Last year (2025/2026), ten people donated their organs after death in the Northern Trust area – the second highest activity rate across Northern Ireland. This led to 26 transplants, including life-saving lung transplants for three people and a new heart for two others.

Jackie added: “This is a very positive reflection of our teams and their dedication to supporting organ donation across our services. We recognise that organ donation is only possible thanks to families making decisions at a deeply traumatic time, and we are committed to supporting them with sensitivity, respect and understanding.”

In Northern Ireland, there are around 134 people on the transplant waiting list, and each year around 10–15 people die while waiting for the gift of life.

If you want to be an organ donor, the best way to make this known is by ensuring you are on the NHS Organ Donor Register and by talking to your family so they understand your wishes.

Under the ‘opt-out’ system, donation can still only go ahead with your family’s support, which is why it remains so important to have the conversation and leave your loved ones certain of your decision.

Ring 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonationni.info to find out more and confirm your support for organ donation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12th June 2026