Readers are moved by BBC NI Watson’s hope for new kidney donor

BBC Northern Ireland sports reporter Stephen Watson has been inundated with good wishes after sharing his story of needing a new kidney.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Watson (47) revealed how his father Cecil had donated one of his kidneys to him almost 30 years ago, but that kidney wasn’t working properly and he needed another donation.

He made the discovery while he was filming a BBC programme highlighting the difference organ donations can make.

Many took to the Telegraph’s Facebook page to share their thoughts, with some describing him as “inspirational”.

Among them was Siobhan Conlan, who is also waiting on a kidney transplant.

She said: “What a great man

Inspirational: Stephen Watson

who is able to do his day’s work with a serious illness — not easy. I myself have stage five renal failure and will need a transplant.”

Sandra Smyton Kettyles also wished Mr Watson well, posting: “Every blessing Stephen ... an inspirational man ... I pray that you get a kidney soon.”

Marion Camlin added her good wishes, saying: “Great interview. Hope you get your kidney very soon.”

Jeanette Longwill said: “29 years — you looked after it well. Hope your wait isn’t too long.”

Mr Watson, who is perhaps best known for his coverage of major golfing tournaments, said he is hoping a transplant will be possible, but in the meantime he maintains as normal as life as possible with the help of a gruelling dialysis regime.

He said one of the reasons he wanted to go public was to raise awareness of the need for organ donation and to get people talking about the issue.

Martine Delaney responded: “This brought tears to my eyes.

“What a courageous man to open up like he did. We should carry donor cards — think of the lives it saves, hope he gets the phone call soon.” BookTrust Northern Ireland has unveiled details of its first conference On the Same Page, taking place on Tuesday, March 5 at the Crescent Arts Centre. The free half-day conference, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, will welcome speakers and delegates from health, education and the arts to discuss the importance of reading and early book sharing. At the launch are (back row) Damian Smyth from the Arts Council and Liz Canning from BookTrust Northern Ireland, and (front row) children’s writing fellow Myra Zepf with Rionach MacElhatton, Meabh MacElhatton and Ravi O’Hare