A few days ago Jim and Arthur from the RVH Liver Support Group delivered some cheer to all of the patients in ward 6D with the help of Sister Carol Harper. Every year the charity, who help and support liver patients throughout N Ireland, visits the regional liver unit and gives a little gift bag to each and every patient who has to remain in hospital over Christmas. “Its something that we love doing every Christmastime” says Arthur!
Carol was given the gift on New Years Day 2023 and is so appreciative of that day. We had a coffee with her and her family in the summer time and we mentioned that we give out Christmas gifts to all of the patients who have to remain in the liver unit over the Christmas period. She said ” let me think about something I can do to help”. Well, what a great idea and gift that Carol came up with . She bought Terrys chocolate oranges and knitted, yes knitted a little cover in the colours and shape of a Christmas pudding; a brown woollen bottom and a white top. She then finished this off by wrapping in Christmas paper and a red bow. You can see the finished result in the pictures opposite.
As said, we provide all of the patients in the ward a Christmas gift pack filled with goodies and if you have any ideas of what we could supply and would like to contribute that something special we would love to hear from you!!. Please email us at rvhlsg@gmail.com and put “Christmas gift idea” in the subject header line.
A Christmas mosaic class was held recently in Bangor for the Liver Support Group
The ladies made Christmas mosaic including robins , Christmas trees and Christmas bells .
A fun night was had by all including Christmas goodies of mulled wine , spiced apple juice , mince pies and chocolates and the sum of £330 was raised as a result. Well done to the ladies and thank you !!
Pictured is Steven O’Neill with RVHLSG Vice Chairman, Arthur Goan, who received a cheque for £3968.00 from a recent fundraising event in Dockers Club Belfast.
On behalf of the Liver Support Group we would like to say a big thank you to Steven and all of the O’Neill family as well as family relative, John McNaught for organising such a great event. We would also like to thank all of those who donated.
This years Christmas party was held on Saturday past and was hosted by Patricia and Rachel from the RVH Liver Support Group. Despite Storm Darragh it was well attended! Here are a few pictures of the event. Our thanks also go to Ashley from the RVHLSG Committee, who helped behind the scenes, and Sheelagh, Alison, Barbara and Kate on the day.
We had another coffee morning , this time in the Silverbirch Hotel Omagh. The event which was hosted on this occasion by Kay Duffy, Founder, and Arthur Goan Vice Chair of the Liver Support Group, was well attended and this has become the norm now with patients coming from both Tyrone, Fermanagh and indeed farther afield. A big thank you to everyone who attended for making this so special and we hope that it was both enjoyable and informative. Keep a look out on our news ticker and other social media platforms for our next coffee morning.
Yet another successful coffee morning, this time in the Burrendale Hotel Newcastle Co Down. What a beautiful setting to be in full view of the Mourne mountains as patients and family members came together to enjoy tea/coffee and scones with host, Arthur Goan, Vice Chair of the Liver Support Group. This event was, as usual, well supported and continues to demonstrate the importance and need for a setting where small numbers of patients can come together and have a chat; all in comfortable surroundings.
Our next coffee morning has already been organised and will be held on Wednesday December 4th in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. Kay Duffy and Arthur Goan will be the hosts for the gathering on the day.
Alcohol related liver disease (and deaths) are on an alarming rise here in N Ireland. And we can say, with conviction, that it is among both the male and female population. The programme to be broadcast tonight on BBC 1 shines a light on the serious effects of alcohol on the liver. If you happen to know someone that may relate to this please let them know to watch it. You never know, you could just be sowing a seed to save a life!!
Alistair King Chair of the merged British Liver Trust/Children’s Liver Disease Foundation is Lord Mayor of the City of London for 2024-2025. He invited the charity to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Parade this year, giving them a fantastic opportunity to highlight its work and the importance of addressing liver disease. It was a joyful occasion and everyone looks forward to the year ahead offering further events. The RVH Liver Support Group were also invited over for this special event.