Ulsterman's gift of life[Published: Saturday 5, January 2008 - 08:43]
By Victor Gordon
The family of the eminent Ulster barrister who died as the result of a freak yachting accident in the Caribbean last month is setting up a charity organ transplant network in the West Indies in his memory.
John Thompson QC was on the NHS list for donating his organs, but when he died in a Barbados Hospital, his family discovered there were no facilities for conducting transplants in the West Indies.
Said a spokesman for the family: "John carried the card as a donor for all his major organs, but there are no transplant facilities anywhere in the West Indies.
"The aim of the charity is for a full specialist team to cover the islands, where diabetes and kidney failure are prevalent, linked to the sugar cane industry. Kidney dialysis and transplants are particularly vital."
Mr Thompson died as the result of head injuries he sustained in a boating accident on Friday December 7 while sailing his yacht Avocet in the Atlantic Rally Crossing.
A large wave hit the vessel off the coast of Barbados and he slipped, sustaining fatal injures when he struck his head.
He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Barbados and died peacefully six days later without regaining consciousness.
His wife Tina and children Charlotte, Rachel, Vicki and Daniel were at his bedside.
They dearly wanted to fulfil his wishes to donate his organs, and when this was found to be impossible, they set up the charity.
Donations can be made by cheque payable to J.D. Thompson Donation Account, c/o Charles Stewart, Stewarts Solicitors, 3 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AB.
Meanwhile, a memorial service for Mr Thompson is being held next Saturday.
It will be at the Elmwood Hall, Queen's University, at 11am and will be addressed by Lord Justice Sir Paul Girvan.
An outstanding QC, Mr Thompson was highly regarded in the legal profession.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3310433.ece?service=print
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