A Palette of Possibilities: Celebrating Kidney Health
2025-02-16 13:30 - 15:00 (Europe/Dublin) | Senate Room, Lanyon Building, University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NN
NI Science Festival
Senate Room, Queen’s University Belfast, Lanyon Building
Sunday 16th February 1.30 – 3pm

Event Description
Join us for an afternoon filled with interactive activities and inspiring talks.
Art for Healing: Learn how art is used to support kidney patients undergoing dialysis. Work alongside researchers from the QUB Renal Arts Group to create your own artwork!
Science in Action: Embark on a scientific journey with QUB researchers from the Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health group. Learn about how the environment and our genetics can impact our health. Build your own candy DNA model and learn about ground-breaking research revolutionising kidney disease therapies.
Community Impact: Hear from kidney disease charities, discovering their impactful work in supporting patients and families.
Enjoy a blend of art, science, music, and community, leaving you inspired and informed.

NIKRF February Meeting – ALL WELCOME!
2025-02-19 20:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
February 19 @ 8pm

Venue: Seminar Room, Level 11 Belfast City Hospital, Belfast

Speaker: Professor Charuhas Thakar, Director of Welcome – Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine

Renal Walking Group
2025-03-10 10:30 - 11:15 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom
The Antrim Renal Team invite you to join them on three spring walks. Fresh air, stretch your legs and meet other renal patients and family members/carers.
The walks will be short, lasting no more than 45 minutes and followed by coffee and scones.
Mondays, starting at 10.30am, meeting at the coffee shop in Antrim Castle Grounds (BT41 4LH)
10th, 24th and 31st March 2025
On the 31st, Belfast Exposed Photography will join us, to guide how to take photographs of what’s around us. They will provide the cameras.
Please phone Una or Louise (Nurses) on 028 94424929 or Libby (Counsellor) on 028 94 413127 if you have any questions (no need to book)
There is a health questionnaire to complete before each walk, which the staff will have with them on the day.
Family members/carers are welcome to join us but no dogs please.

World Kidney Day 2025
2025-03-13
World Kidney Day
Theme: Are your kidneys ok?
www.worldkidneyday.org

The New Life Gardens Relaunch – A Celebration of the Gift of Life
2025-03-23 12:30 - 15:30 | Botanic Gardens, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1LP

Renal Walking Group #2
2025-03-24 10:30 - 11:15 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom

Thanksgiving Service 2025
2025-03-30 19:00 | St. James’s Presbyterian Church, St James Rd, Ballymoney, BT53 6BJ
Guest speaker: Dr Aisling Courtney, Consultant Nephrologist at Belfast City Hospital – ALL WELCOME
Interview: Paula McIntyre (TV & radio chef and Ambassador for NIKRF) and Hannah Johns (Renal Nurse (Belfast City Hospital), Miss World N. Ireland 2025 and Ambassador for NIKRF)
Praise led by: The Route Singers
Bible Reading (Psalm 100): Paula McIntyre

Renal Walking Group #3
2025-03-31 10:30 - 11:15 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom

Big Breakfast
2025-04-12 08:00 - 12:00 | Ballinlea Orange Hall, Straid Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6NW

Kidney Connections: Educate, Inspire, Transform (ALL WELCOME!)
2025-04-16 19:30 | Wellcome-Wolfson Centre, 97 Lisburn Rd, Belfast, BT9 7BL
📢 Kidney Connections: Educate, Inspire, Transform💙 Raising Awareness & Advancing Research for a Healthier Future
📅 Date: 16 April📍 Location: Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine🕕 Time: 7:30pm
An unmissable evening dedicated to kidney awareness through education health, organ donation, and groundbreaking research!
🔹 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Aisling Courtney (MPHIL, FRCP) – Clinical Lead for Transplantation, Belfast City Hospital.
🔹 Ms. Seána Maguire – Inspirational educator on Organ Donation & Head of Spanish at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, alongside her incredible pupils.🔹 Hannah Johns – Renal Nurse & Miss World Northern Ireland, sharing how she will raise kidney disease awareness on the global stage at the Miss World Final in India this May!
🔹 Professor Gerry Gormley – A leading educator of medica students. Can empathy be taught to the next generation of doctors?🔹 Top Researchers – Presenting the latest advancements in kidney research and the impact of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund.

This event is suitable for all ages – whether you’re a patient, donor, healthcare professional, or just curious to learn more, you’ll leave educated, inspired, and empowered!
Be sure to RSVP: s.kee@qub.ac.uk

Belfast City Marathon 2025
2025-05-04

Online Writing Workshop - Developing your story
2025-05-11 14:00 - 15:30

Balmoral Show 2025
2025-05-14 - 2025-05-17 | Eikon Exhibition Centre, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RD, United Kingdom
We will be at Balmoral Show with Bella, our Kidney Cow and volunteers to promote the work of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund.

DRN run
2025-05-18 10:30 | Brantry Bard, 65 Carrycastle Road, Dungannon, BT70 1LT

Online Writing Workshop - Exploring what you have to say
2025-06-04 14:00 - 15:30

Armagh County Agricultural Show 2025
2025-06-14 | Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Armagh, BT60 1GD
🎉👑 Get Ready to Dress to Impress! 👑🎉
We’re bringing fashion flair to the fields this summer! 🌾💃
The Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund is thrilled to partner with the vibrant Armagh County Show for a day where style meets tradition — and YOU could be crowned Best Dressed! 💥
From statement hats to bold boots, we want to see your most creative, eye-catching looks. 💫✨ Whether you’re channeling country chic or high fashion glamour, our style scouts will be watching…
🌟 With Miss Northern Ireland, Hannah Johns, and renowned designer Roslyn Trainor Rafferty on the scene, you can expect fashion inspo, fab prizes, and fierce competition! 👀🔥
📍 When: Saturday 14 June📍 Where: Gosford Forest Park, Markethill🎪 Plus: farm animals, tasty treats, crafts, kids’ fun, and you might even see Bella the Kidney Cow parading her way through Markethill!
Let’s make this the most stylish show yet – all in support of life-saving kidney research 💚

Dromara Vintage & Classic Club - Road Run
2025-06-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Rathfriland Road, Rathfriland Road, Dromara

Billy Old Rectory Garden Open Day 2025
2025-06-14 13:00 - 2025-06-15 17:00
14th & 15th June 2025 – 1pm-5pm
This is a mature 3-acre garden on a historic site. At the front of the Georgian rectory is a large lawn with mature trees, an ancient well and a developing woodland garden with a small fernery. At the rear there is another large lawn with contrasting borders of roses, herbaceous, shrubs and pond area. Also kitchen, greenhouse, herb, vegetable and fruit gardens and a large old orchard and area with wild flowers and annuals.
Teas will be provided on the lawn with all the proceeds going to the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. Proceeds from teas to NIKRF.
For more detail and to book: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43393/billy-old-rectory-peace-garden

Online Writing Workshop - Try taking your writing further
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:30

NIKRF June Meeting – ALL WELCOME!
2025-06-18 20:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
June 18 @ 8pm

Venue: TBC

Speaker: Professor Gerry Gormley MD FRCGP, GP Professor in Simulation and Clinical Skills at Queens’ University Belfast

Topic: ‘Using film to enhance empathic skills in medical students about renal disease and organ donation’

Waringstown Cavalcade 2025
2025-06-27 18:30 | Waringstown Cavalcade

Tullylish Vintage and Classic Vehicle Show 2025
2025-07-02 19:00
Another Week, Another Car Show!
Get ready for a spectacular evening at the Annual Vintage Vehicle Show hosted by Tullylish Parish Church! Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 2nd, from 7:00 PM at 35 Tullylish Road, Gilford, BT63 6DP.
Calling all enthusiasts! Whether you have a classic car, motorcycle, tractor, or any vintage vehicle, you’re welcome to showcase your pride and joy. Exhibitors can arrive from 4:30 PM onwards.
Indulge in delightful treats – tea, coffee, sandwiches, traybakes, and burgers will be available throughout the evening.
This event supports the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund, aiding vital kidney research and promoting organ donation awareness.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic community gathering! For more details, visit the event page: Tullylish Vintage and Classic Vehicle Show

Charity family fun day in honour of Bella-Rosè Moran
2025-08-03 12:00 - 17:00 | An Ráth Dubh, 53 Moneyneany Rd, Draperstown, Derry, BT45 7EN
C

Cake & Chat with Paula McIntyre
2025-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Rose Cottage, 149 Ballyskeagh Rd, Belfast, BT17 9BY

Service of Thanksgiving
2025-08-31 18:30 | St Patricks Church, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LE
Join us for our Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 31st August at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LE.

It will be an evening where we come together in all our human emotions – joy, sorrow, hope, and gratitude. A space to be inspired, to reflect, to learn, and to give thanks for the gift of life and the strength we find in one another.

It will be an evening of inspiration and reflection with patient stories, reflections from our NIKRF Ambassador, and Mr. Stephen O’Neill, NIKRF medical advisor, Consultant Transplant Surgeon, Clinical Director of Nephrology and Transplantation, Belfast City Hospital and Honorary Professor, QUB.

💜 Together, we’ll give thanks and celebrate the precious gift of life.

Light refreshments will be served afterwards, offering a chance to connect and share in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Please contact s.kee@qub.ac.uk for further details of if you need access or dietary requirements.

Ballycarry's Larne Line Dancers - Charity Night
2025-09-13 20:00 | Whiteabbey Masonic Centre, Monkstown Avenue, Newtownabbey, BT37 0EB, United Kingdom
Charity Night in Aid of NIKRF

We are delighted that Larne Line Dancers, Ballycarry have chosen the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund as their charity of the year.

Their year of amazing support will end with a special Charity Night on Saturday 13th September at Whiteabbey Masonic Centre. The fun starts at 8pm and goes on till late.

Tickets are just £5 or you can pay at the door.

Whiteabbey Masonic Centre, Monkstown Ave, Newtownabbey BT37 0EB
Contact Brian: 077 0916 8282

If you cannot attend but would like to support their fundraising, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lld

A huge thank you to Larne Line Dancers, Ballycarry for their incredible commitment to raising funds and awareness for kidney research.

NIKRF Annual General Meeting (AGM) – ALL WELCOME!
2025-09-17 19:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom

Organ Donation Week 2025
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-28

ODW Lifecyle event with Translink
2025-09-25 15:00 - 18:00 | Grand Central Station, Belfast, BT12 5AX, United Kingdom
ODW Lifecycle event with Translink
Thursday 25 September
15.00-18.00
Grand Central Station

A virtual cycle event involving as many of our organ donation and transplantation community as possible.
There will be 3 static exercise bikes in the central area of Grand Central Station and the challenge will be to cycle from Belfast to Dublin and back – 322kms.
A ‘milestones’ board will be on display where we will keep track of the distances achieved as we go.
There will be an MC/host for the event to help draw attention to the event, explain what is happening, and have a short chats with various people who are taking part.
There will also be performances from members of the Renal Arts Group, and Aquinas Grammar school choir.

Turn the Peak Pink Donard Challenge
2025-09-26 09:30 | Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co. Down
Turn the Peak Pink Donard Challenge
Friday 26 September
09.30 start
Donard car park

For more information and to take part, please register at: Turn The Peak Pink | Organ Donation Week Donard Challenge.
Last date for registrations is Friday 19th September 2025.
A promotional poster is attached – please feel free to share this with colleagues and contacts within the organ donation and transplantation community. We will circulate it to supporters to ensure they can get involved, before opening it up more widely is places remain.
Note: while there is no cost to take part, there is a cost to run the challenge therefore numbers are capped at 80 people. With this in mind, please only register if you definitely intend to take part, not just to hold a place as this will incur a cost and may prevent others from getting involved.
