Dr N A J Carson MD 1963 (died 3rd June 2007)
Nina will be remembered by many for her sporting achievements, her pioneering work in the field of medicine and as a valued friend. As anyone who had the privilege to know her can testify, she was a most determined and dedicated lady, yet utterly modest.
She was focused on a career in medical research and having qualified from Queen’s, concentrated on metabolic diseases, in particular PKU (Phenylketonuria). She was instrumental in implementing the Guthrie (heel prick) test in newborn babies in Northern Ireland resulting in early diagnosis. Through this work she identified the new disease Homocystinuria. Widely acclaimed by the international medical profession Nina was invited to lecture worldwide, was elected a member of the FRCP (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians), and became an Honorary Member of the Society for the Inborn Errors of Metabolism.
Nina was an accomplished sportswoman. She was the National Irish Backstroke Champion for many years and was one of the first women to be elected into the Irish Swimming Hall of Fame. It was competitive swimming that brought Jim and Nina together and they married in August 1947. They went on to forma formidable team in the world of sailing. They won a large number of trophies in the Irish, UK, and European Scorpion Championships. The also excelled in Flying Fifteens, and in 1975 became the Irish National Champions. She played an active role in the swathe of improvements that happened to Carrickfergus Sailing Club in the 60’s and 70’s and eventually became the Commodore’s Lady. Finally giving up competitive sport Nina was not about to sit down and rest. At age 60 she took up skiing and golf, and age 70 tried para-sending.
For all her family however, Nina will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mum, and a granny who set the highest personal standards, and was great fun to be with.
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