A Co Antrim teenager’s ‘miracle’ transplant story shines light on organ donation’s life-saving power

Pictured (L-R), Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Cheryl Robinson, Connie Taylor who spoke at the Gift of Life event about her organ transplant, Stacey McKnight (AAH Theatres Ward Manager) Nisa Francis, Lead Nurse Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Jackie Heasley, Dr Janet Gray MBE, Chair of the Northern Trust’s Organ Donation Committee and Dr Keith Oakes, Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist.

An 18-year-old from Carrickfergus who received a life-saving multi-organ transplant as a baby has helped highlight the extraordinary impact of organ donation during a special Gift of Life event organised by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The event brought together healthcare professionals from Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital, alongside transplant recipients and donor families, to underline the lasting legacy organ donors leave behind and the lives they help save.

For many in attendance, the message was simple but powerful: one decision can transform multiple lives.

A second chance at life

18-year-old Connie Taylor

Among those sharing their experience was Connie Taylor, now 18, from Carrickfergus, who underwent a multi-organ transplant involving her stomach, small bowel, liver and pancreas when she was just 13 months old.

Connie told attendees she was critically ill as an infant and was fortunate to receive a donor organ in time.

“I was very poorly and very, very young but fortunately I was able to find the right donor just in time,” she said.

“Thankfully, with the help of organ donation, I got a whole new life. It was kind of a miracle really, a brand-new lease of life. I would encourage anyone who can to sign up and donate and help someone live their life to the fullest.”

Pictured (L-R), Connie Taylor who spoke at the Gift of Life event about her organ transplant, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Jackie Heasley, Dr Janet Gray MBE, Chair of the Northern Trust’s Organ Donation Committee and Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Cheryl Robinson.

Her story provided a powerful reminder of how organ donation can offer hope when all other options have been exhausted.

Healthcare staff hear first-hand experiences

The Gift of Life day was attended by staff from Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units and theatre teams from both Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital.

Nisa Francis, Lead Nurse Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team, chats with some of the Northern Trust staff who attended the Gift of Life day.

The event was organised by Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Jackie Heasley, who said hearing directly from people affected by organ donation helps healthcare professionals better understand the significance of their role during some of the most difficult moments families can face.

“We wanted to create a space where staff could learn more about organ donation through the voices of those directly affected, helping to build their confidence, awareness and compassion around what is a very sensitive time,” she said.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to all our speakers who joined us on the day and collectively helped us to understand the extraordinary impact that organ donation and transplantation have on the lives of others.”

The gift of sight and the gift of life

Nisa Francis, Lead Nurse Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team, Ciara Hunter who spoke at the event about organ donation following the death of her sister Clare, Dr Janet Gray MBE, Chair of the Northern Trust’s Organ Donation Committee, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Jackie Heasley and Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation Cheryl Robinson.

Also attending the event was Dr Janet Gray MBE, Chair of the Northern Trust’s Organ Donation Committee.

As a blind person, Dr Gray highlighted the often-overlooked importance of cornea donation and the life-changing impact it can have.

“Cornea donations are very, very low and it’s so important for people to donate corneas because that gift of sight is just such an amazing thing to do,” she said.

“Organs give people a second chance at life and they create life, which is so amazing.”

Northern Trust records strong donation figures

Those who attended the Gift of Life day about organ donation, organised by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The event also highlighted the significant contribution made by donor families across the Northern Trust area over the past year.

During 2025/26, ten people donated their organs after death within the Northern Trust area, giving the Trust the second-highest organ donation activity rate in Northern Ireland.

Those donations resulted in 26 transplants, including life-saving lung transplants for three people and heart transplants for two others.

Jackie Heasley said the figures reflected the commitment of healthcare teams but also the generosity shown by families facing devastating circumstances.

“This is a very positive reflection of our teams and their dedication to supporting organ donation across our services,” she said.

“We recognise that organ donation is only possible thanks to families making decisions at a deeply traumatic time, and we are committed to supporting them with sensitivity, respect and understanding.”

Why family conversations still matter

Despite Northern Ireland operating an opt-out organ donation system, family support remains essential before donation can proceed.

Only around one in every 100 people die in circumstances where organ donation after death is possible, making every donor registration and family discussion critically important.

There are currently around 134 people on the transplant waiting list in Northern Ireland, while an estimated 10 to 15 people die each year waiting for a suitable donor organ.

Healthcare professionals are encouraging people not only to join the NHS Organ Donor Register but also to ensure their loved ones understand their wishes.

Anyone wishing to find out more, register their decision or discuss organ donation can call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonationni.info.

The stories shared during the Gift of Life event served as a powerful reminder that behind every transplant statistic is a person, a family and a future made possible through the generosity of others.