A virtual cycle challenge from Belfast to Dublin took place at Belfast Grand Central Station on Thursday, September 24, as part of Organ Donation Week 2026. The event, called the Grand Organ Donation Life Cycle, was hosted by Translink in partnership with the Public Health Agency.

Staff, travellers, and members of the organ donation and transplantation community from across Northern Ireland participated in the event. It aimed to highlight the impact of organ donation and transplantation and allowed those affected to share their personal stories with commuters passing through the station.

Catherine McKeown, Organ Donation Promotion Manager at the Public Health Agency, said events like this reach people who might not otherwise think about organ donation. She said every conversation sparked could help someone make an informed decision and ultimately save a life. McKeown encouraged people to take two minutes to add their name to the NHS Organ Donor Register and to discuss their decision with family.

Translink Group Chief Executive Gerard Carlin said the company was proud to support the cycle challenge. He noted that organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, yet many people have not had the important conversation with loved ones about their donation decision. Carlin said bringing the event to one of the busiest transport hubs in Ireland helps raise awareness and encourage discussion.

Organ donation in Northern Ireland moved to an opt-out system in 2023 under Dáithí's Law. However, donation can still only go ahead with a family's support, which is why registering a decision and talking about it with loved ones remains essential.

People can register their decision at organdonationni.info.