On Thursday (24 September), commuters at Belfast Grand Central Station witnessed something a little different as Translink hosted a Public Health Agency (PHA) event to mark Organ Donation Week 2026. The 'Grand Organ Donation Life Cycle' event brought together staff, travellers and members of the organ donation and transplantation community from across Northern Ireland for a virtual cycle challenge to Dublin.
Set against the busy backdrop of Northern Ireland's flagship transport hub, the event puts the spotlight on the life-saving and life-changing impact of organ donation and transplantation. It also gives those whose lives have been touched by donation or transplantation the chance to share their personal stories with the thousands of commuters passing through the station each day.
Now in its second year, the partnership between PHA and Translink continues to grow, reaching a broad and diverse audience of staff and customers with important messages about donation. Through this ongoing collaboration, both organisations are helping more people understand the difference donation can make, and encouraging individuals to think about their own choices.
Catherine McKeown, Organ Donation Promotion Manager at the Public Health Agency, said:
"It's fantastic to be working alongside Translink again for what has become a real highlight of Organ Donation Week. Events like this allow us to reach people who might not otherwise think about organ donation, and that's so important. Every conversation we spark today could be the one that helps someone make an informed decision, and ultimately, save a life. We want everyone to take 2 minutes to add their name to the NHS Organ Donor Register. It’s important to know that no-one is automatically added to the Register, unless you record your decision, no detail will be held for you. It is equally important to let your family know and leave them certain of your decision, so they can act with confidence on your behalf should the time arise."
Translink Group Chief Executive Gerard Carlin, echoed the importance of raising awareness of organ donation, saying:
"We are proud to support this cycle challenge at Belfast Grand Central Station as part of Organ Donation Week. Organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, yet many people have not had the important conversation with their loved ones about their donation decision. By bringing this event to one of the busiest transport hubs in Ireland, we hope to help raise awareness, encourage discussion and highlight the profound difference organ donation can make to individuals, families and communities. We would encourage everyone to take a few moments to learn more about organ donation and share their wishes with those closest to them."
Organ donation in Northern Ireland moved to an opt-out system in 2023 under Dáithí's Law. However, donation can still only go ahead with a family's support, which is why registering a decision and talking about it with loved ones remains essential.
It takes just two minutes to register your decision at organdonationni.info. Then, talk to your family about your wishes today.
Organ donation
- Someone in the UK will die today waiting for an organ transplant
- The law around organ donation changed to an opt-out system on 1 June 2023. The law is known as 'Dáithí's Law' means, in the event that organ donation is a possibility after you die, it will be considered that you agree to being an organ donor unless you choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.
- No one is automatically added to the NHS Organ Donor Register, unless you record a decision, no details will be held for you. You can opt-in, opt-out or change your decision at any time
- Even though the law has changed, everyone is encouraged to continue to record opt-in decisions on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This helps to leave them certain of your decision as families will always be involved before organ donation goes ahead
- It is quick and easy to register your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. Call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
- Anyone can join the NHS Organ Donor Register; age and medical conditions are not necessarily a barrier to donation
- Whatever you decide, it is important talk with your loved ones to give them the certainty they need to support your decision
- Families are always involved in organ donation discussions. You can make things easier for your family by telling them you want to happen.
- Only 50% of families agree to donation if they don’t know their loved one’s decision, but this rises to 90% if they know their loved one wanted to donate
- One donor can save or transform up to nine lives through organ donation and save and transform even more by donating tissue
- Each year in Northern Ireland around 10-15 people die while awaiting a transplant
- Only 1% of people die in situations where donation is possible (in hospital in specific circumstances), therefore every donation is precious
- 90% of people in Northern Ireland support organ donation
You can become a living donor:
Across the UK, more than 1,000 people each year donate a kidney or part of their liver while they are still alive to a relative, friend or even someone they do not know. The most commonly donated organ by a living person is a kidney. Part of a liver can also be transplanted from a living donor to help someone in need of a liver transplant.
Translink
Providing public transport services in Northern Ireland via NI Railways, Ulsterbus, Goldliner, Metro and Glider.
- Over 81.1million passenger journeys annually
- 12,500 bus, Coach and rail services every day