Public Health Agency and Translink celebrate Organ Donation Week

‘The Grand Organ Donation Life Cycle’ event saw staff, commuters, and a wide range of participants from within the organ donation and transplantation ‘family’ take part in a virtual cycle to Dublin. 

Taking place in the impressive and bustling transport hub of Grand Central Station, the event raised vital awareness of the importance of organ donation and transplantation in saving and transforming lives. It was also an opportunity for those impacted by donation or transplantation to share their story with the many commuters passing through the station. 

The event marked a developing partnership between the Public Health Agency and Translink, amplifying organ donation awareness to a significant audience by educating staff and customers on the importance of donation.  This collaboration is helping to share vital messages as well as inspiring individuals to consider their donation choices.

Public Health Agency Chief Executive Aidan Dawson praised the initiatives to date:

“We have been delighted to partner with Translink particularly on this highly engaging event for Organ Donation Week. Organ donation gives the gift of life and also hope, to those awaiting a transplant. Working with partners such as Translink helps us to raise awareness of the topic with new audiences. The aim is to encourage people to consider their decision, to record it on the Organ Donor Register, and to share it with loved ones. As families will always be consulted before donation would proceed, in the small number of cases where this is possible, it’s so important that families are certain of what their loved one wanted, to help them support their decision.”

Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway echoed the importance of raising awareness of organ donation, saying:

“We are pleased to support this special event dedicated to raising awareness around organ donation.

At Translink, our mission is to connect people and this landmark location provides an accessible, high-footfall space that brings together a diverse cross-section of the community. It’s the perfect setting to spark meaningful conversations and share life-saving messages that matter.”

Steve Hogan is a Translink employee and has been central to the development of the new partnership and the Life Cycle event.  Steve and wife Linda are parents of Laurie Hogan who became an organ donor in 2020, aged just 22.  He was able to save 4 lives.  Steve welcomed the initiative saying:  

“I am grateful for the love and support shown by colleagues at Translink in helping Linda and I with something that has become very personal to us both.  By supporting the hosting of this event for Organ Donation Week, Translink are providing a superb platform to share vital information to all; information that will, I am sure, help to grow awareness of Dáithí’s Law and encourage those sometimes-difficult conversations around organ donation decisions and the gift of life to others less fortunate.”

Special guests at the event included Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly.  On hand to officially start the event was young organ donation campaigner Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who was delighted to get the cycle underway. Dáithí is on the waiting list for a heart transplant and campaigned for the change in law to an opt-out system in 2023.

For more information about organ donation or to register your decision, visit www.organdonationni.info/register-now.