Health Minister Robin Swann conveys news of the Bill passing today to the waiting media

RVH Liver Support Group Chairman, Jim Kilpatrick, congratulates Health Minister Robin Swann MLA and Jo-Anne Dobson following the passing of today’s Bill.  Jo-Anne had unsuccessfully endeavoured to bring the change about during her period as an MLA in 2014.

The Liver Support Group welcomes news that the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill passed its final stage in the Assembly today 8th February 2022, with a unanimous vote, and many personal statements of thanks and relief that the Bill had passed without amendment.  Following Royal Assent the Bill will come into Law in 2023.  It brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK nations, where all eligible adult citizens are deemed to have consented to be potential organ donors, with an option to opt out if they choose.  At present potential donors must explicitly opt to sign the donor register to be considered.  Consent rates here are currently at 64%, and it is hoped to raise this following the Bill becoming law to around 80%.  A period of intense education, training and public awareness will begin to enable the public to discuss today’s change, and convey their wishes to their families, who will continue to be consulted in any situation where organ donation is being considered

Patricia and Rachel, both child and adolescent patient carers in the Liver Support Group, delivered a selection of sweets and activity book hampers to the childrens ward for Christmas.

Kay and Jim, from the Liver Support Group, seen here with Sister Carol Harper bringing warmth and joy to patients and staff in Ward 6D at the RVH. The contents of these beautiful hampers have been sourced by members of the committee and lovingly brought together and presented to the ward.

A KIND-HEARTED West Belfast boy, who suffers from a debilitating liver condition, has donated £367.62 of his own pocket money to the RVH Liver Support Group.

11-year-old Thomas Morrison lives with portal hypertension and portal vein thrombosis, which restrict the blood supply to his liver and causes his spleen to enlarge.

The Holy Trinity Primary School pupil had diligently saved his pocket money, putting all of his pennies and pounds into collection tins, which he donated to the charity on Saturday.

Thomas’ condition means that he must go for regular checkups and appointments at the Royal Victoria Hospital, and often has to travel to England for treatment.

The generous Glen Road boy said of his donation: “The liver foundation helped me, so I thought I might as well help them.”

He added that he is “going to start saving again”, insisting he will give more money to charity.

Due to his enlarged spleen Thomas is restricted in the activities he can take part in, and is unable to play contact sports. But as well as being a conscientious saver, he is also an avid fan of Cliftonville Football Club. To top-off a memorable week, he had a personal visit from team talisman, Joe ‘The Goal’ Gormley.

Thomas’ mum, Annemarie McGreevy, said that despite her son’s condition, she has “never seen a happier child”.

“He just takes everything in his stride,” she said.

“Thomas, from he was no age, couldn’t have come out of a shop without putting something in the charity box. He was never a child for running into shops or buying sweets. He would always put his money into the tins.

“Thomas wanted to help with the Liver Support Group because of all they’ve done for us, which I thought was amazing for all the age of him.”

She said he was “delighted” with the total he raised for charity, adding that it “gives him such a confidence boost”.

“The Liver Support Group do so much for us, so it’s so important for us to give back – I couldn’t be prouder of him,” she enthused.

“He just always wants to help other people. He’s such a thoughtful wee man.”

Sarah and Lorraine Mavitty  and family raised an amazing £1500.00 for the RVH Liver Support Group through their recent 5K walk and cake sale all in memory of their late husband/father, Raymond.