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.

The RVH Liver Support Group organised another coffee event, this time in Omagh and Enniskillen on Dec 4th. It was successful and everyone who attended appreciated being able to meet other patients and have a chat around their experiences. Further events just like this are being planned and we will let you know on the home page.

This year’s Family Fun Day was another great success thanks both to Rachel and Patricia, committee members, and all of many families and friends who made the event.  We just love to see so many families with their children coming along to have some great fun as well as having conversations with other families. We think the bowling was a great choice too!!

St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin celebrated its Liver Transplant 30th Anniversary with a Patient Education Day in O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Belfield, Dublin on October 14th . There were a number of practical talks on living with a liver transplant with recent updates in the field of transplantation in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the National Liver Transplant Programme. The day started with an introduction given by Mr Justin Geoghegan, Consultant Transplant Surgeon with further insights into the last thirty years of transplantation by Prof Oscar Traynor and Prof Aiden McCormick.

Kay Duffy, OBE, and founder of the Liver Support Group was invited down to the event to give an insight in to the support network provided by the Group within Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland does not have a similar network and therefore patients with any type of liver condition cannot avail of the wide number of services provided to patients in NI.

Kay Duffy, Founder, Arthur Goan, Vice Chairman, Dr Sharon Millen, Head of Research and Rachel Quinney Mee, Child & Adolescent Patient Carer representing the RVH Liver Support Group attended.