THE daughter of an A&E consultant who died suddenly has asked friends to donate to a charity he supported for her tenth birthday to improve surgery in poorer countries.
Belfast girl Annie Gray lost her father, Dr John Gray (54), in July 2019 following a short illness.
The father-of-three, described as "the rock" of the family, worked in the Ulster and Lagan Valley hospital emergency departments.
Dr Gray was originally from Antrim road in north Belfast and campaigned for Mercy Ships, a charity which uses hospital ships to deliver free world-class healthcare services - including life-changing surgery and training - to support the poorest nations in the developing world.
Anna asked her friends to give donations to Mercy Ships for her birthday instead of presents and raised £140.
Her mother, Sarah Gray, an A&E nurse at the Ulster Hospital, expressed her pride at her daughter's kindness.
"She decided she wanted to receive donations for a charity instead of birthday presents. I’m so proud of her. It was a bit of a teary moment because John would have been so proud," Mrs Gray said.
The charity's chief executive Joanne Balaam said: "We are so grateful for Anna’s generosity and kindness to let others benefit from her birthday fundraising.
"This money is enough to pay for six patients to have their first visit to a dentist, where many people cannot get access to dental care. A simple check-up can be life-saving. Thank you so much Anna and thank you to all your friends."
Following his sudden death, Dr Gray's family released a statement saying he had had shown "humility, kindness and generosity until his last breath".
"While his death leaves a huge hole in our lives that will never be filled, we know his final wish to donate his organs has transformed the lives of others - a final act of generosity that will continue to be an example to his children."
