4th January 2024
Congratulations to Jim Kilpatrick who was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to people with liver disease and their carers across Northern Ireland.
Jim is the Chairman, Treasurer, and one of three Adult Patient Carers in the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support Group. Jim received a liver transplant in April 2018 and began volunteering with the Group from September 2018.
Jim heard about the honour by letter from the Cabinet Office in November of last year, reflecting on receiving the news he said,
“I had attended Westminster in October for the release of a report by the British Liver Trust into the state of liver cancer around the UK and I initially thought the letter must be a follow-up questionnaire about the visit. It was such a shock when I read the opening sentence and was told of my award.
Keeping it all a secret was so difficult. Aside from my wife, who was with me when the letter arrived, I couldn’t tell my dad, brother or daughter and son-in-law until the day before the list was released to the public. They are all delighted for me!”
Jim has been overwhelmed by the well wishes he’s received such the news went public and wanted to acknowledge the role of all the volunteers with the Liver Support Group.
He said, “Since the publication of the list I have been humbled by the avalanche of support and congratulations coming from the liver patients and clinicians I interact with. It’s slowly sinking in just how my input to the care and support of the liver patients and their families has had a positive impact on their liver disease journeys. Many refer to the reassurance they received as they look ahead into the unknown.
I also willingly acknowledge the award is testament to the work of all the volunteers who form the Liver Support Group Committee. We are one team, working for all liver patients in Northern Ireland.”
Thank you to Jim for his commitment to the RVH Liver Support Group and the support he offers our patients. Congratulations on the well deserved honour, Jim.