NIKRF Annual General Meeting (AGM) – ALL WELCOME!
2025-09-17 19:00 (Europe/Dublin) | 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.

Charity Concert - Seven Towers Male Voice Choir
2025-11-15 19:30 | Aghadowey Presbyterian Church, 70 Ardreagh Rd, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4DW
Join us on Saturday 15 November at 7.30pm in Aghadowey Presbyterian Church, 70 Ardreagh Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4DW.
The evening will feature a special performance by the Seven Towers Male Voice Choir from Ballymena, adding to what promises to be a meaningful and uplifting service.

Ballymacash Flower Club Open Evening
2025-11-17 19:00
🌸 Ballymacash Flower Club Open Evening 🌸
We’re delighted that Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund will receive donations from this year’s Ballymacash Flower Club Open Evening.
📅 Monday 17 November 2025🕢 7.30pm (refreshments from 7.00pm)📍 Laurelhill Community College, 22 Laurelhill Road, Lisburn
✨ Enjoy a wonderful floral demonstration by Cherie Nummy (National Demonstrator), titled “A Gift of Seasonal Birds”.
🎟 Tickets £15.00 – available from Joan on 07739 539431.
Come along for a fantastic evening and help support vital kidney research at the same time. 🌿💚

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

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

Speaker(s):
Eamie Gormley, a kidney recipient who received an incompatible kidney after many years on dialysis, sharing her inspiring journey of hope and perseverance.
Leonie McCaffrey, Patient Centred HD Sister from the Renal Unit, Omagh Hospital, bringing valuable insight from her experience supporting kidney patients across Northern Ireland.

Renel Rendevous
2025-12-15 10:30 | Antrim Library, 10 Railway Street, Antrim, BT41 4AE

Snowdrop Festival 2026
2026-02-14 - 2026-02-15 | Billy Old Rectory, 5 Cabragh Road, Castlecat, Bushmills, BT57 8YH, United Kingdom
The Snowdrop Festival is Back! 🌸

Shake off the winter blues and join us for a weekend of natural beauty and heartfelt community. We are thrilled to announce that NIKRF is returning to the stunning Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden for the annual Snowdrop Festival!

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just in need of a cosy afternoon out, this is the perfect way to spend a February weekend.

🗓️ When & Where

Dates: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th February

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Billy Old Rectory Peace Garden

☕ Sip for a Cause

While admission fees support the wonderful National Garden Scheme, our incredible NIKRF volunteers will be on-site serving up:

🔥 Steaming Mulled Wine

☕ Fresh Tea & Coffee

🍰 Delicious Refreshments

The best part? Every single donation made for treats and drinks goes directly to NI Kidney Research Fund, helping us continue our vital work.

NI Science Festival 2026
2026-02-14 13:00 - 16:30
Love your Kidneys!
NIKRF are delighted to be part of NI Science Festival again this year with a stand at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for experimental Medicine from 1-4.30pm on 14th Feb. This year we are partnering the phenonemal CPH Research Team who arae leading the way in pioneering research into rare diseases We are proud to be funding part of the research on the Acceleration of Rare Kidney Disease Trials and partnering the research team with RARDTAC.

Quiz Night
2026-02-18 19:30 | The Brown Trout Inn, 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4AD
Put Your Thinking Caps On for NIKRF! 🧠

Ready to test your trivia knowledge for a fantastic cause? Join us for a Table Quiz to help raise funds for Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund! It’s going to be a night filled with brain-teasers, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs.

Gather your smartest friends, form a team, and help us raise vital funds for kidney research. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop-culture pro, or a sports fanatic, there’s a round for everyone!

📍 Where & When:

Venue: Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn

Address: 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine BT51 4AD

When: Wednesday, 18 February at 7:30 PM

Why join us? Every penny raised goes directly toward supporting life-changing research and improving the lives of kidney patients across Northern Ireland.

NIKRF FEBRUARY Meeting – ALL WELCOME!
2026-02-18 20:00 | Seminar Room, Level 11, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
February 18 @ 8pm

Venue: Seminar Room, Level 11 Belfast City Hospital, Belfast
Join us at our next NIKRF Members’ Meeting to hear from two of our fantastic researchers who are advancing kidney research in Northern Ireland:

🔬 Dr Kate Mullan – Academic paediatric trainee with a passion for paediatric nephrology
📌 Viewing Paediatric Transplantation through a Longitudinal Lens
🧪 Dr Sam Lockhart
📌 How do IRS2 mutations detected in CKD patients affect kidney epithelial cell function?

World Kidney Day 2026
2026-03-12
World Kidney Day 2026 – Kidney Health for All

This year’s World Kidney Day theme, Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet, highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to kidney care while promoting healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable future.

To mark World Kidney Day on 12th March, the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund will be hosting an awareness stand in the foyer of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast from 10am–3pm. Our team will be sharing practical tips on healthy eating, information about kidney function and disease prevention, and highlighting the vital role of research in improving outcomes for people living with kidney conditions.

Some of our researchers will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss advances in kidney research. Kidney health should be a priority for everyone – by making small but meaningful lifestyle changes, raising awareness, and supporting research, we can work towards a future where kidney disease is preventable and treatable for all.

Launch of new NIKRF Patron
2026-03-12 15:00 | Royal Victoria Hospital, 274 Grosvenor Rd, Belfast, BT12 6BA
Join us in the Royal Victoria Hospital foyer on World Kidney Day 2026 at 3pm for a launch of the new NIKRF Patron.

***SOLD OUT*** Clare Chorale and the 1st Old Boys Silver Band Concert
2026-03-13 19:30 | The Great Hall, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3ST
***THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT***

NIKRF APRIL Outreach Meeting & Ulster University Partnership Launch – ALL WELCOME!
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | C-TRIC Building, Glenshane Rd, Londonderry, BT47 6SB, United Kingdom
🚀 The NIKRF Roadshow is Heading North West!
We are thrilled to announce a brand-new research partnership with Ulster University, and we’re kicking things off with an exclusive open night in Derry/Londonderry!
Ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence could change the future of healthcare? Join us for “Kidney Connections,” where we’ll explore how AI and cutting-edge research are transforming the fight against kidney disease.

🗓️ Event Details:
When: 15th April 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: C-TRIC Building, Altnagelvin Hospital

🎤 Featured Speakers:
💬 Dr Taranjit Singh Rai (Ulster University): “Can AI Accurately Predict Kidney Disease Progression?”
💬 Prof Tim Brown (Belfast City Hospital/Ulster University): “Advances in Complex Kidney Transplantation.”
💬 Dr Oonagh McCloskey (Western Trust): “From Research to Clinical Practice: Advancing Care in the Renal Unit.”

The event will finish with a Q and A session and light refreshments.
This partnership with Ulster University marks an exciting new chapter for NIKRF as we continue supporting innovative research and better care for kidney patients.
Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare professional, or just curious about the future of med-tech, we’d love to see you there. Let’s advance kidney research and patient care together. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring NIKRF research and innovation to the Western community. 📢

Belfast City Marathon 2026
2026-05-03 | Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom

Balmoral Show 2026
2026-05-13 - 2026-05-16 | 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. Come find us at stand number 42!

Renal Walking Group
2026-06-01 10:30 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom
The Antrim Renal Team invite you to join them on three 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)
1st, 8th and 22nd June 2026

Please phone Una or Sharon (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.

Renal Walking Group #2
2026-06-08 10:30 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom

The Dromara Vintage & Classic Club Road Run
2026-06-13 12:00
🚗✨ Start your engines for a fantastic day out in support of a life changing cause! ✨🚜
The Dromara Vintage & Classic Club Road Run is taking place on Saturday 13th June and all proceeds will be in aid of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund. 💙
Come along and enjoy an amazing display of vintage and classic vehicles, meet fellow enthusiasts and help support vital kidney research across Northern Ireland.
📍 Rathfriland Road, Dromara🕛 From 12 noon🚗 Road Run starts at 2pm
A huge thank you to the Dromara Vintage & Classic Club for choosing to support NIKRF through this brilliant community event. 👏
Bring the family along and help make a real difference while enjoying a great afternoon out! 💙

Kidney Connections: An Open Night
2026-06-17 19:00 | Post Graduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund and Queen’s University Belfast are delighted to invite you to attend Kidney Connections: An Open Night focused on connecting patients, families, clinicians, researchers, supporters, and the wider community through paediatric kidney research and care.
The evening will include guest speakers, opportunities for discussion and networking, and insights into current and future kidney research initiatives in Northern Ireland.
Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Postgraduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital, 51 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AB
Please find the event flyer below.

To register your attendance, please click the link below or scan the QR code included on the attached invitation:
Kidney Connections- Open Night Invitation – Fill out form
We would be grateful if you could also share this invitation with anyone who may be interested in attending.

For those who wish to attend remotely, please use the Teams link below.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/365031191525271?p=XRphFSIp4eA5jc1hDu
Meeting ID: 365 031 191 525 271
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Billy Old Rectory Garden Open Day 2026
2026-06-20 - 2026-06-21
20th & 21st 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.

Renal Walking Group #3
2026-06-22 10:30 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom

Earlybirds Choir - Charity Fundraising Morning
2026-06-22 11:00 | Harmony Hill Presbyterian Hall, Moss Rd, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4NW
🎶 Join us for a wonderful morning of music, community and fundraising at the Earlybirds Choir Charity Morning in support of the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund 💜
📅 Monday 22nd June
🕚 11am
📍 Harmony Hill Presbyterian Hall
We are delighted to be supported by the amazing community choir Lisburn Harmony alongside community music facilitator and Musical Director Kirsty Orr Music – Musical Wellness for All 🎵
At NIKRF, we understand the powerful connection between music, wellbeing and community. The charity has proudly funded research into Arts Interventions for kidney patients undertaking dialysis, helping explore how creativity and music can positively support patients during treatment.
Like NIKRF, this event is all about people coming together, supporting one another and making a real difference 💙
Enjoy refreshments served by the church, entertainment from the Earlybirds Choir and help raise funds for vital kidney research across Northern Ireland.
Come along, enjoy the music and support a fantastic cause! 🎶✨

Waringstown Cavalcade 2026
2026-06-26 18:00 | Waringstown Cavalcade
🚜 GET YOUR ENGINES READY! 🚗

The countdown is officially ON for this year’s Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade, and we are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s incredible double-feature theme: Fiats & Fergies!

From sleek, classic Italian styling to the legendary workhorses of the fields, we’re celebrating two absolute icons of mechanical history. Whether you’re a fan of the vibrant, high-revving flair of vintage Fiats or the rugged, reliable charm of the classic little grey Fergie tractors, this year’s parade is going to be one for the books.

📅 Event Details:

Where: Waringstown – the home village of NIKRF

When: Friday June 26, 6pm

Money raised during the event will go directly toward supporting the vital work of NIKRF. Come out, enjoy the show, and help us make a massive difference!

Spread the word and let’s make this the biggest Cavalcade yet.

See you there!

Tullylish Vintage and Classic Vehicle Show 2026
2026-07-01 19:00 - 22:00 | Tullylish Parish Church, 35 Tullylish Road, Gilford, BT63 6DP
🚗🏍️🚜 Calling all classic vehicle enthusiasts! 🚜🏍️🚗

Join us on Wednesday 1 July 2026, from 7.00pm to 10.00pm, for the Annual Vintage & Classic Vehicle Show at Tullylish Parish Church and enjoy a fantastic evening celebrating motoring history while supporting local kidney research. 💙

Whether you have a classic car, vintage motorcycle, tractor or any other interesting vehicle, we’d love to see you there!

📅 Wednesday 1 July 2026

⏰ 7.00pm to 10.00pm (Exhibitors can arrive from 5.00pm)

📍 Tullylish Parish Church, 35 Tullylish Road, Gilford, BT63 6DP

🍔 Refreshments available throughout the evening, including burgers, sandwiches, traybakes, tea and coffee.

🚗 Vehicle Entry: £10

Includes driver and passenger admission, refreshments and an entry gift.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Spectators: £5

Children under 16 go free!

Tea, coffee, sandwiches and traybakes included.

💙 Part proceeds will support the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund, helping to fund life changing kidney research right here in Northern Ireland.

Come along for a wonderful evening of classic vehicles, great food and community spirit, all while supporting an important cause.

📲 Find out more:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1363988125611199

Temple and District Vintage and Classic Club
2026-07-23 17:00 | Temple Golf Club, 60 Church Road, Lisburn, BT27 6UP, United Kingdom
🚗🚜 Rev up for a fantastic evening in support of Northern Ireland Kidney Research! 🏍️💜

Join us on Thursday 23 July at Temple Golf Club for the Temple and District Vintage and Classic Club Vintage Rally.

Enjoy an incredible display of vintage tractors, classic cars and motorbikes before the road run sets off at approximately 7.30pm.

📍 Temple Golf Club

🕔 Gates open at 5.00pm

🚘 £15 per vehicle, with all proceeds supporting Northern Ireland Kidney Research, plus a small gift included.

Bring the whole family along for a great evening of motoring, community spirit, delicious food and refreshments, all while helping to fund life changing kidney research.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💜

Belfast City Half Marathon 2026
2026-09-20
🏃 Run with purpose. Make every mile count. 🏃

Join #TeamNIKidney at the Belfast City Half Marathon on 20 September 2026 and help fund life changing kidney research across Northern Ireland.

We’ve secured a limited number of charity places and we’d love to have you on the team.

Getting involved is easy:

✅ Complete the Expression of Interest form by scanning the QR code or visiting www.nikidneyresearch.org/#belfast-half-marathon-2026.

✅ We’ll be in touch to explain the next steps and how to secure your place.

✅ Once confirmed, we’ll help you set up your fundraising page so you can start raising funds for Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund.

Every step you take will help support vital research, improve treatments and bring hope to local patients and families affected by kidney disease.

Places are limited, so don’t miss your chance to run for something that really matters.

💙 Run for Research. Run for Hope. Run for Life. 💙
