Stephen Watson Joins Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund to Celebrate 50 Years

BBC NI Newsline anchor and sports presenter, Stephen Watson, joined Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund NI and mascot Bella to celebrate 50 years at the Royal Victoria Hospital children’s Renal department. 

Meeting children who have kidney disease and some who have gone through transplant surgery, and their parents, Stephen gave them some insights into his recent kidney transplant journey.

Stephen Watson says, “I was delighted to join NIKRF in celebrating their 50^th anniversary with a visit to the Children’s Hospital.  It was very humbling to meet brave young children Emma and Tatiana who have undergone transplant surgery, and also Ollie who is still waiting for a new kidney.

The NIKRF is Northern Ireland’s longest running transplant charity and I would like to say a huge thank you to the team for everything they have done for transplantation, raising awareness and raising money for vital research.”

Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF) is the leading voluntary organisation raising funds for life saving research into the causes and possible cures for kidney disease in the province.  The charity also promotes organ donation and fully supports the new Opt Out legislation becoming law in Spring 2023.

Chair, Susan Kee comments, “We were delighted to have Stephen come along to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. (RBHSC).  This was the final stop on our Kidney Road Show around all the dialysis units in Northern Ireland raising awareness and raising money to fund lifesaving research into this debilitating disease.

Many people are unaware that kidney disease can affect anyone, including babies and children.  NIKRF member Sean Brown, who was a child patient at the RBHSC with kidney disease,  also attended. He received his kidney transplant when he was 8 years old. Thirty three years later it is still going strong. It was great to give hope to all the kids and their parents in #LightingtheWay for the future.”