The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) has paid tribute to its much-loved President, Gerry Kelly, following his sudden passing after a short illness.
The charity’s Trustees, Board members, volunteers and supporters of the charity say they are heartbroken by the loss of a man whose compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment helped shape the organisation for almost two decades.
Award-winning broadcaster Gerry Kelly was far more than a figurehead for the NICLT, which gives terminally ill, life-limited, and deserving children from across Northern Ireland a truly magical day, creating excitement and lasting memories which they and their families will cherish forever.
A lifelong friend of NICLT founder Jack Rodgers, Gerry was involved from the charity’s formation in 2008, serving first as a Trustee and Board member before becoming President in 2019.
Known for his warmth, humility and genuine kindness, Gerry played an active, hands-on role in the charity’s day-to-day work, offering guidance, encouragement and steadfast support to colleagues, volunteers and the families the charity serves.
Colin Barkley, Chair of Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, said:
“The Trustees, Board members and supporters of the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust are struggling to come to terms with the sudden passing of our esteemed and beloved President, Gerry Kelly.
“The role of President was never an honorary title to Gerry. This charity was incredibly close to his heart.
“A lifelong friend of our founder Jack Rodgers, Gerry had been involved since the very beginning in 2008. He first served as a Trustee and Board member before becoming President, but throughout all those years, his dedication never wavered.
“He was a very hands-on President — always happy to be involved in the day-to-day running of the charity, always willing to be a sounding board, to discuss ideas, strategy and decisions, whether big or small.”
Colin, who had known Gerry for more than 30 years, reflected on both their friendship and Gerry’s unique connection with the children and families supported by the charity.
He added: “We first met, ironically, when I was founder Chairman of the Northern Ireland region of the Lord’s Taverners and Gerry became our first President.
“While Gerry supported the aim of giving young people, especially disadvantaged or disabled youngsters, a sporting chance, as a golfer rather than a cricketer, the Taverners perhaps was never a completely natural fit.
“Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust was entirely different. Since Gerry’s retirement, his involvement only deepened. He became a constant source of support to me personally — always available, always genuinely interested, always focused on how the charity could evolve and grow.
“His interaction with the children we help, and with their parents and carers, was heartfelt and authentic. He took a genuine interest in their lives, their challenges and their stories.
“He was simply a people person — and that was exactly what made him so exceptional throughout his professional career.”
The charity says Gerry’s passing represents an enormous loss, not only for the organisation, but for the many children and families whose lives he touched.
Colin continued: “Gerry’s passing, as with that of our founder Jack Rodgers in 2019, is a huge blow to the charity.
“Our determination to continue the work that meant so much to Gerry remains stronger than ever, and we will always be grateful for the contribution he made to this charity and to the families we support.”
The charity also extended its deepest sympathies to Gerry’s family.
Colin said: “Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife of almost 50 years, Helena, daughters Sarah and Claire, son in law William and, the absolute apples of his eyes, his cherished grandchildren, Bronwyn, Tadgh and Rory.
“Family was everything to Gerry. While they never sought the spotlight that naturally came with Gerry’s remarkable broadcasting career, they were always his foundation, his strength and what mattered most to him.”
Gerry Kelly’s contribution to Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust — and the countless children and families whose lives he helped brighten — will be remembered with enormous affection, gratitude and respect.