Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume dies aged 83
Video report by Jordan Moates
Former SDLP leader John Hume has died at the age of 83.
Mr Hume, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in forging the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, had suffered ill health for a number of years.
The former Foyle MP had dementia and was cared for in the Owen Mor nursing home in Londonderry.
His family have expressed their gratitude to those who looked after him.
“As a family, we are unfailingly inspired by the professionalism, compassion, and love they have shown to John and all those under their care,” they said.
“We can never adequately show them our thanks for looking after John at a time when we could not. The family drew great comfort in being with John again in the last days of his life.”
The family added: “We would like also to extend our gratitude to the people of Derry and Moville/Greencastle, who have looked after John and shown us so much kindness as his dementia has progressed.
“Celebrating community in all its diversity went to the heart of John’s political ethos and we are very appreciative that our communities supported, respected and protected John.”
They also outlined that, due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Mr Hume’s funeral will be arranged according to government regulations with very strict rules on numbers.
“We realise this will mean that many will be unable to join us and we will arrange a memorial service and a celebration of his life in due course,” they said.
“Above all, we know that John would have prioritised public health, and the safety and health of our communities.”
Books of condolence have been opened for Mr Hume in Derry and in Belfast and both are available online for those wishing to leave tributes.
Watch: John Hume - The Path to PeaceFrom humble beginnings to architect of peace in Northern Ireland, John Hume's remarkable contribution is recalled in his own words and by those who witnessed the long road to the Good Friday Agreement in a UTV special programme looking back at his life.
Tributes to John Hume