BBC Sport Northern Ireland presenter Stephen Watson has described himself as "truly honoured and humbled" after being appointed an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours list. The 55-year-old received the recognition for his services to broadcasting and kidney transplant awareness and fundraising in Northern Ireland.
After graduating from Queen's University with a politics degree, Watson began his broadcasting career at UTV before joining BBC Northern Ireland in 1999. Over the years, he has covered major sporting events including Fifa World Cups, Olympic Games, Rugby World Cups and Ryder Cups. He has also reported extensively on Rory McIlroy's career, covering every one of the Holywood golfer's major wins, including the back-to-back Masters victories at Augusta National over the past two years.
Watson said the news "has come as a great surprise to me," adding: "Through my work in sports broadcasting, I have had the privilege of sharing moments of joy, hope and inspiration with people across the country. Sport has an incredible ability to bring communities together and, often, to provide good news and a sense of connection."
A two-time kidney transplant recipient, Watson has dedicated his spare time to fundraising for a range of charities, including Northern Ireland Kidney Research, Kidney Care UK, and the Children's Kidney Fund NI. He hosts events highlighting the work of the Regional Nephrology and Transplant Service at Belfast City Hospital and volunteers with Age NI, sharing sport stories with older people across Northern Ireland.
"What means just as much to me is the opportunity this recognition gives me to continue raising awareness of kidney disease and transplantation," he said. "Having experienced my own kidney transplant journey, I understand first hand the life-changing impact of organ donation. I hope to use this profile to encourage conversations, increase awareness, support fundraising efforts and help others, facing similar challenges, know that there is hope."
Watson accepted the honour "with enormous gratitude" and shared it with his family, colleagues, the charities he works alongside, and "the many people whose generosity and courage inspire me every day."
Several other individuals from Northern Ireland's sporting community were also recognised with MBEs, including Ian Bamford, past winner of the Irish Amateur Open and former Royal Portrush captain, for services to amateur golf.