The father of the actor Jamie Dornan who was a leading obstetrician and gynaecologist, has died after reportedly contracting coronavirus at the age of 73.
The news was reported by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Northern Ireland (LLNI) via social media: “Very sad news this morning on the passing of Prof Jim Dornan, a passionate patron, advocate and friend to all.
“Jim was champion for so many small charities and causes in [Northern Ireland] and that legacy will live on. Condolences to family and friends at this sad time”.
Prof Jim Dornan was an established consultant obsterician and gynaecologist for over four decades, having been chair of health and life sciences at Ulster University and the previous chair in fetal medicine at Queen’s University Belfast.
In 2005, Dornan was diagnosed with lymphocytic leukaemia, leading him to work closely with the charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Northern Ireland. His first wife, Lorna, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 1998.
His son Jamie, famous for his roles in the Fifty Shades of Grey and The Fall, has previously said that there had been “no bigger impact” on his life than his mother’s death.
Speaking to BBC News Northern Ireland in 2018, Dornan had said: “I often say this but you don’t really know what the effects are of losing someone, particularly when you’re so young.
“You never get over it and now that I have kids myself I see they don’t have a grandmother from my side – that’s an odd thing”.
Many have paid tribute to the renowned professor, citing his contributions to medicine.
Dr Michael McBride, the chief medial officer of Northern Ireland, said that he was “very saddened and shocked” to hear about his death. “My deepest condolences go to his family and many friends,” he said. “Professor Dornan has made an immense contribution to obstetrics and fetomaternal medicine. He held a number of significant and important leadership roles in the health service and in Northern Ireland nationally.”
Prof Nichola Rooney, chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology Northern Ireland, took to Twitter to describe him as a “one of a kind”.
She said: “The great Prof Jim Dornan. One of a kind. His glass brimmed over. A true visionary. Early 90’s he saw the benefit that Clinical Psychology could bring to the women in RMJH & made it happen. My friend. RIP. Love to Samina, Liesa, Jess & Jamie”.