RVH Liver Support Group hosted yet another very successful coffee morning in the Mourne Country Hotel, Newry. The event, hosted by Kay and Arthur, two of the adult patient carers, was well attended and provided a great opportunity for patients to meet one another and forge new friendships.

As mentioned before, we will continue to support our patients by way of more of these informal gatherings throughout the Province. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.  A further two have already been organised; one for Apr 25th at The Woodlawn Garden Centre Carryduff and the second in The Everglades Hotel Derry/Londonderry on May 20th.

In March of 2024 one of our patients, William Howe, decided to climb to the top of Mount Olympus in Greece. In doing so he wanted to promote our Charity in a trailblazing way; and he certainly did just that!! And he stated the following :-

“As anyone who knows me is aware, I am not one for sitting around. In the last few years, I have had a variety of short stays in ‘Hotel 6D’, the Regional Liver Unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital plus, a full hip replacement last year.

In early March I decided to challenge myself and to reach the summit of Mt. Olympus, home of the gods.

My successful and speedy recovery was a direct result of the technical expertise of the Consultants & Doctors, the care and skill of the nursing staff, the camaraderie of fellow patients and the retro ice-lollies from the RVH Shop.

Dr. McCorry will know well from his marathon running, and something I have learned from 20 years of Alpine climbing, that you need both physical and mental strength to achieve your goal. As I was told many years ago “it’s in the head, more than the legs.” The RVH supported me with both.

William Howe

Mt. Olympus, Greece,

March 24^th”.

Kay and Arthur from the RVH Liver Support Group welcomed patients and carers from the Craigavon catchment area to a coffee morning in the Seagoe Hotel today. Pre and post transplant patients had the opportunity to meet each other and have conversations on their experiences.

The Liver Support Group will continue to organise more of these events around the country.

Thank you to Heather Halliday, Lady Captain at Shandon Park Golf Club, who held a competition day and raised £750 for the Group. Heather is pictured opposite with Group Chairman and Treasurer Jim Kilpatrick.

Thank you to Lucy Seaton who raised a fantastic £1361 for us after walking 15,000 steps every day during the month of October. Well done Lucy !!

Lucy presented her cheque to Group Chairman, Jim Kilpatrick, with her Dad, Peter, who is currently awaiting a liver transplant.

The RVH Liver Support Group proudly announces that our Chairman, Jim Kilpatrick, has been awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to people with liver disease and their carers in Northern Ireland, in the King’s New Year’s Honours List 2024.

This well-deserved honour is testament to Jim’s unwavering commitment to supporting liver disease patients following his own transplant experiences in 2018, and his tireless efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by liver conditions across Northern Ireland. The MBE recognises his outstanding contributions to the community, reflecting his dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and raising awareness about liver health and organ donation.

Under Jim’s leadership, the RVH Liver Support Group has expanded its reach and impact across Northern Ireland, developing relationships with local and national politicians to effect change and raise awareness of liver issues, and endeavouring to bring patients together to encourage peer to peer support. The charity’s initiatives, from patient support programs to educational campaigns, have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and their families grappling with liver-related issues.

Jim expressed gratitude for the honour, stating, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects the collective efforts of the entire Liver Support Group committee and our dedicated supporters. This MBE is not just for me; it is for everyone who has contributed to our mission of providing hope and support to those affected by liver conditions.”

After a very successful 25^th Anniversary year for the Group in 2023, we look forward to the Group further increasing  our effectiveness and direction under Jim’s guidance in 2024. We remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and their families facing liver challenges through innovative programs, advocacy, and community engagement.

Our Chairman, Jim Kilpatrick, was delighted to meet some very excited young pupils from Moneyrea Primary School and Nursery this morning and to receive a cheque from them for £700.00. Thanks go to all the children, parents and staff for their generosity. Pictured with the pupils are Roy Greer (Principal) and Christine Floyd (whose husband, Cecil, is a liver transplant patient.

Members of the RVHLSG Committee donned their Santa costumes as they delivered what is now the customary Christmas gifts to the children and adult inpatients in the RVH.