Pride for Caitlin's family as they are presented with posthumous award to honour her organ donation

THE mother, sister and friends of Antrim woman Caitlin Robb, who died in 2024 aged just 21, have received a posthumous honour in her memory.

A ceremony was held at Belfast Castle last week, where Caitlin was honoured with the Order of St John pin and a certificate, after three lives were saved with her donated organs.

Her Mum Siobhan, Caitlin’s sister Orlaith and pals Danielle and Erinn attended the event. along with Tracey Tedford, a counsellor with the Katie Trust, who is supporting the family.

Caitlin’s kidneys and liver were donated to three separate people on the waiting list for a donation, aged from their teens to their 60s.

Mrs Robb said she was very proud to hear her daughter being called ‘a hero’.

“Caitlin had a heart of gold, maybe this is why they couldn’t get a match, but she saved the lives of a 16 year old, a 20 year old and a man who was only on the transplant list for one week, in his 60s.

“I was honoured with the certificate and medal that I will wear with pride.

“I would like to thank everyone who is supporting me and my beautiful daughter’s fight for justice.

“Also for the support from the Katie Trust, my family and friends.”

She added: “One of the consultants actually remembered Caitlin and came over to speak to me privately.”

Caitlin Robb passed away in the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald at the end of April 2024, several days after being found unresponsive by police at her flat on the Dublin Road estate, after her mother Siobhan asked for a welfare check. The death has been treated as suicide.

Since then, Mrs Robb has voiced concerns over the way her daughter’s death has been investigated and believes there are a number of discrepancies between what she has been told by various parties about Caitlin’s final hours.

The Northern Ireland Coroner has since directed a public inquest.

The last hearing in May revealed that text messages on Caitlin’s phone were due to be examined to explore her state of mind on the night she was found.

The case was adjourned until September, but no new hearing date has been announced.

A complaint has also been made to the Police Ombudsman and Mrs Robb has had meetings with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.

Speaking at the time of Caitlin’s passing and on the decision to donate her organs, Siobhan said: “The consultant got down on his knees,

“And thanked us as a family, not as a doctor but as a father, for the difference we would be making to the lives of others.”

A fundraising 80s Night for the Katie Trust in Caitlin’s memory will take place in Madden’s Bar on November 7th at 9pm.