Lucia says big thank you after organ transplant

A Ballycastle girl has paid a heartfelt thanks to all those who helped her through a critical period in her life after she was given a liver transplant.

Lucia Quinney Mee celebrated the first anniversary of her second liver transplant by donating substantial amounts to hospitals who each contributed to her operation and recovery.

In a letter to the Times, Lucia said:

“The 21st of January marked a big milestone for our family. We celebrated the 1st anniversary of my second liver transplant, and we would like to thank all the many people who have supported us through these last 2 years; family, friends, my parents’ work colleagues, friends from St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Primary School, and the wider community as well as all who participated in any of the various fundraising activities.

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“I would also like to say how lucky and blessed I feel to have been given the chance to enjoy life again, especially through this very special gift from a family that agreed to donate the organs of their loved one at the point of his death.

We are pleased to donate the money raised to The Children’s Liver Disease Research Department at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (7,000), Ward 8 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where I will continue to receive care (700), and the Royal Victoria (Children’s) Hospital, Belfast, (1,000), that also plays a part in my care programme.

“My family and I know that we are extremely privileged to have such brilliant healthcare and support both for me, personally, and for us all. In giving this money to research we feel confident that many more people will benefit from new findings and a great medical programme.

“So, for the many who have donated, done an abseil, baked buns, run a marathon or enjoyed a gala dinner – Thank you!

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And extra special thanks to Noelle Hyland – the catalyst for so much and who helped in so many ways – we are hugely grateful!

“Our final word is to say how important and special organ donation is. It can be ‘the gift of new life’. It has been for me, and can be for many more, thanks to those who, kindly and bravely, think of others in need.”

Thank you to you all,

Lucia Quinney Mee (and Alice, David and Rachel)

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