Megan McCallion: Belfast family's lasting tribute to teen who gave gift of life to five others

The family of a north Belfast teenager, who died following a tragic accident at her home almost a decade ago, have created a lasting memorial to honour her "selfless generosity".

Megan McCallion was just 15 when she passed away in April 2015 but she donated her organs to help five other people whom she had never met.

Megan, a pupil at Dominican College in Fortwilliam, died in the Royal Victoria Hospital after suffering a catastrophic head injury following a tragic accident in April 2015. Only daughter of Kevin and Eileen, she is also survived by her younger brother Conor.

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Now in a heartfelt collaboration, the Northern Ireland Transplant Association and the McCallion family, have put funds raised in Megan's memory to meaningful use by refurbishing the ICU family rooms at the Royal Victoria Hospital, creating a lasting tribute.

This has been funded by money the family raised from the Belfast Marathon which they felt should then be used to refurbish the ICU relatives rooms to transform a stark and barren place, in memory of a young girl and to highlight the miracle of organ donation.

Her mum Eileen told Belfast Live: "Megan was a fun loving, caring 15-year-old teenager who wrapped so much into her all-too-short life. She loved to laugh, loved to be happy and loved to make others happy.

"Megan had many interests including football, running, music and photography. She played the guitar and adored Jedward. She was a keen photographer and videographer, making short films and music videos.

"Megan loved to cook from an early age with an adventurous taste for international cuisine, although her absolute favourite food was spaghetti hoops. She was thoughtful towards her family and friends."

This consideration for others extended to joining the Organ Donation Register only a few weeks before her death after receiving an organ donor card in the post prior to her 16th birthday.

Eileen explained: "Megan immediately signed the card and told us that she wanted to be an organ donor. Her selfless generosity meant her organs helped five people she had never met when they needed it the most.

"Megan was a force of nature who enriched our lives and will be forever fondly remembered by her family and friends."

Over the years, the family have raised money by doing the Marathon for Megan in conjunction with the (NI) Transplant Association with a view to redoing two ICU family waiting rooms in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

"It has taken a long time to get here due to the ICU moving to a new building and various setbacks associated with this move . Although the waiting rooms were new and serviceable they were neither comfortable nor welcoming for families who are facing a traumatic time when a loved one is in ICU," Eileen said.

"We initially wanted to do one room but thanks to the generosity of all who sponsored us we had enough money to do two. We are delighted to now have the rooms completed with more comfortable seating and a little kitchen area with a fridge and refreshment area.

"We hope that they will be much more welcoming and comforting than the previous rooms," Eileen added.

There are currently 155 people on the active organ transplant waiting list. While 55% of the local community is registered on the organ donor register (presumed consent), individuals are considered organ donors unless they opt out.

Erica Ferguson, Chairwoman of the NI Transplant Association, says the critical aspect of organ donation remains communication.

She added: "Sadly, in 2023/24, 13 people in Northern Ireland lost their lives while waiting for a life-saving transplant. This highlights the urgency and importance of organ donation. It’s essential to have open conversations with loved ones to ensure your wishes are known. Having that conversation with your family can save lives.

"The Northern Ireland Transplant Association (NITA) plays a vital role in supporting those affected by organ donation and transplantation, providing emotional and financial assistance to patients and their families.

"Run by volunteers who have personal experience with organ donation, we organise various fundraising events throughout the year to raise crucial funds and raise awareness about the importance of organ donation while also supporting those affected by organ donation and their families."

Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.

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