From our Co-Chair, Bill Wright:
It was with great sadness that I, like many, attended the funeral of our friend and colleague Simon, who died suddenly on Xmas day, from a brain bleed. Simon was founder chair of Haemophilia Northern Ireland.
When forming the new independent charity for people in Northern Ireland with bleeding disorders, Simon and his colleagues, worked closely with us in Haemophilia Scotland and he was a particularly steadfast and articulate voice for those across the UK affected by the infected blood scandal. That relationship has continued and strengthened.
His twin brother Nigel described Simon as “a gentleman, and leader of defining quality, willing to listen, capable of advising and achieving agreement under complicated circumstances”. He certainly was.
Despite first-hand knowledge of the death of so many others affected by contaminated blood, Simon’s death came as very real shock. He was, even in his 60s an active rower, still competing and encouraging others in the sport. He was also very actively engaged as an elder, within the local presbyterian church in Glarryford, near Ballymena, where his packed funeral service was conducted. There was a guard of honour of rowers bearing rowing blades as we exited the church and the choir he was a member of gave a moving rendition of two of the songs Simon had sung with them. The Reverend Roland Watt, presiding over the service, reflected Simon’s true qualities of decency and integrity and also pointed to his determination to get justice on infected blood.
Personally, despite having endured over decades, the tragic loss of so many friends and colleagues who campaigned for justice on infected blood, the timing and swiftness of Simon’s death nevertheless came as a cruel twist when it happens so close to the Inquiry Report he had wanted so much and we all wait on.
To his brothers Nigel, Linley, wife Olive and son Ethan we send our deepest condolences.
We have also assured trustees and friends in Haemophilia Northern Ireland that we will continue to work closely with them and give our support as they consider their next step in regrouping and appointing a new chair.
Bill Wright.