Speaking after the event, Carla Lockhart said:

“The NIKRF was founded by a local couple from Waringstown, the late Josie and Walter Kerr, who had their own very personal journey with kidney disease. 

Motivated to help others facing this journey, they pioneered the charity as a result and lead it until their passing. Today those currently leading the charity, and wider community representatives, marked their legacy 50 years on. It was a moment of celebration, as the charity has enjoyed continued growth in helping with research and support to patients.

To mark these historic occasion, and the hugely beneficial work of the charity, I was honoured to table an Early Day Motion in Westminster in recognition of its achievements and present it at the local ceremony in Waringstown. The motion reads:

“That this House congratulates Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund on reaching its 50th anniversary year; recognises the very positive work the organisation performs in supporting a wide variety of research projects that explore why persons develop kidney failure and assess the best forms of treatment for these kidney conditions; pays tribute to the vision of the founder Mrs Josie Kerr MBE of Waringstown, Co. Armagh; and wishes the Fund every success in its anniversary year and in the future.”

I want to commend all involved with the movement. I know the charity will continue to be a force for good in the years ahead, helping those who need it whilst contributing to better understanding of the causes of and treatment for kidney disease.”