In Memory of John Thompson QC

A vital new medical unit has been opened in memory of John Thompson QC, a former member of the Bar of Northern Ireland who died in a sailing accident in the Caribbean in 2007.

John Thompson QC was a highly respected member of the Bar, regarded for his ability across the legal profession. His love of sailing was well-known and he died while fulfilling a lifelong ambition to sail across the Atlantic Ocean in 2007. The new Surgical Intensive Care Unit has already completed a number of organ transplants and other life saving procedures.

A memorial was held for John in Elmwood Hall, Queen’s University and the family launched a trust to raise money to support organ donation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, where he received treatment after his accident. John’s family were unable to donate his organs as the facilities were not available on the island, with many of the small nations in the Caribbean having to travel to the US for transplants or treatment.

Upon receiving news of the opening Liam McCollum QC said:

“I am delighted to hear of the opening of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit in Barbados. This facility was desperately needed and has already saved lives and will continue to do so for many years to come. I cannot think of a better testament to the memory of John. I want to pay tribute to John’s wife, Tina Thompson, whose tenacity and determination secured this facility for the people of Barbados. During such a difficult time for her and the family she refused to give up and the result is a positive gift for the island. I also would like to acknowledge the efforts of Monye Anyadike-Danes QC, Serena Jones, Ron Jones and John Gill who worked tirelessly as trustees of the fund to assist Tina in paying tribute to her husband. ”