Roberta gives the gift of life

Around 300 people in Northern Ireland are currently waiting for an organ transplant and nationally, three people die every day whilst waiting for a transplant – so Roberta is also encouraging her health service colleagues to sign up.

Roberta, who is a nurse by profession, is renowned for her lifelong career caring for others in health and social services as well as in the private and voluntary sectors. “I have devoted my life to supporting others and am always humbled to be regarded as a kind, caring person in these roles with a strong commitment and passion for all that I do. Signing the register has therefore been a natural decision for me to make. When you hear the inspiring stories of how people are given a second chance at life after receiving an organ, I feel privileged to be able to save a life after my death. I would also encourage my colleagues in health and care to sign up and save lives.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson’s son Mark has undergone a kidney transplant. Jo-Anne said: “Mark is one of the fortunate ones and as the mother of a transplant patient his story is one which I never tire of telling. When you have an up-close and personal encounter with how transplants can really save lives you can’t help but support the PHA as they work tirelessly to increase the number of people signing the Organ Donor Register. I commend Roberta on adding her name to those who have already signed and would encourage people to follow her example and through signing, give the gift of life.”

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA and Chair of the N.I. Organ Donation Task Force Implementation Group, said: “The PHA would like to reiterate Roberta’s plea and encourage all PHA colleagues and the extended HSC family to sign the NHS Organ Donor Register today. The response to organ donation has been positive and we have seen encouraging support to date. However we cannot afford to be complacent as there are still hundreds of people on the transplant waiting list in Northern Ireland and not enough organs are available. The reality is that some will die waiting. Together we can help others in need and save lives by signing the NHS Organ Donor Register. Please take the time to do so today and discuss your wishes with family and friends.”

Edel Livingstone, Organ Donation Coordinator for the Southern Trust said: “Between April 2010 and the end of March 2011 3,740 organ transplants were carried out from 2,055 donors. To save even more lives, we need more people to discuss their wishes around donation and to join the 18.3 million who are already on the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

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