Ulster Unionist Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sonia Copeland, has said that she was so moved after attending an organ donation event, she was spurred into action to register as a donor herself.

Councillor Sonia Copeland said:

“In my role as Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast I have had the honour of taking part in many humbling events.  But when I was invited to take part in an organ donation commemoration event, I didn’t expect it to have such a profound effect on me.     

“Five major cities unveiled a candle sculpture, similar to the one in Botanic Gardens, to show unified support for organ donation and transplantation and to appreciate the gift of life.  Our sculpture was gifted to the people of Belfast by the Galway Civic Trust and symbolises the hope and healing of organ donation.   

“When I arrived at Botanic Gardens, I didn’t expect to be so moved by the stories of those whose lives had been touched by organ donation.  Hearing from those who had been so grateful to be given the gift of life and from those families whose loved ones had made the decision to donate their organs was deeply moving.  So much so that I went home that evening and signed up to be an organ donor.

“Before then it had been one of those things that I had thought about.   Like many people, you always mean to do it, but never quite get around to.  I was surprised at how easy it was, once I had made the decision.    

“In my preparation for the event I learnt about the importance of having the conversation and making sure that your family know your wishes.   Northern Ireland has the lowest consent rates for donation, of any region of the United Kingdom.  Low consent rates have been linked to families not knowing the wishes of their loved ones.

“Christmas is a time when many families come together.  Gifts will be exchanged and thanks given.  It could be the perfect opportunity to talk about how we could all play our role in giving the gift of life.”