Northern Ireland

West Belfast father who died suddenly will be remembered as a `complete gentleman'

Father-of-one, Liam Porter (34) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday after becoming ill at his Twinbrook home on Saturday
Father-of-one, Liam Porter (34) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday after becoming ill at his Twinbrook home on Saturday Father-of-one, Liam Porter (34) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday after becoming ill at his Twinbrook home on Saturday

THE family of a west Belfast man who died suddenly have told of their pride that by donating his organs he had given others the gift of life.

Liam Porter, who was 34, fell ill at his Twinbrook home on Saturday morning.

The father-of-one, whose second child is due next month, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital but died on Monday with his family by his side.

While the cause of death is not yet clear, family say that Mr Porter suffered from sleep apnea, a disorder which leads to pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep.

His aunt Catherine Porter however, said his grieving family could take comfort knowing he was able to help others by donating his organs, including his kidneys and lungs.

"We are just so proud that he has been able to help other people and that's the kind of person he was," she said.

Mrs Porter said there are "no words to explain" how his heartbroken fiancée Nicole, five year-old son Liam and wider family are feeling.

She said while her nephew's second baby is due early next month, his partner had been due to be induced yesterday.

"We are just all in shock," she said.