It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to OPSA Founder Nicholas Hart, a beacon of hope and compassion whose legacy of service has left an indelible mark on countless lives, particularly in Pakistan. Nick's unwavering dedication to repairing facial deformities in children has transformed the destinies of thousands, enabling them to lead normal lives filled with confidence and dignity.


In the early stages of his career, Nicholas chose to utilise his plastic surgery expertise in Belfast. His dedication to making a difference was evident in his work as the cleft lip and palate surgeon for the Hull & East Yorkshire region, where he touched the hearts of many with his expertise and compassion. Despite facing challenges such as the NHS restructuring in 2000, Nick's determination only grew stronger. He seized the opportunity to work overseas voluntarily, further expanding his impact.

Following the restructuring, Nicholas continued to apply his expertise across various fields, including breast surgery, hand surgery, aesthetic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and microvascular surgery. However, he remained committed to utilising his skills in cleft palate surgery and eagerly participated in a series of cleft camps for OPSA.

Since 1998, Nick has devoted himself tirelessly to his philanthropic endeavours, attending cleft lip and palate surgery camps in Pakistan at least once, if not twice, every year. Nick embarked on his journey with a strong sense of purpose, initially serving as the sole UK surgeon at cleft lip and palate surgery camps. Though he retired from surgery in 2015, his passion for serving others remained undiminished. As the chairman of OPSA, Nick continued to play a pivotal role in the charity's mission, advocating for the rights of underprivileged children and families and raising awareness of their plight.

Under Nick's leadership, OPSA has become a beacon of hope, providing free surgeries to children with cleft lip and palate, burns, and other deformities. His vision and dedication have led to the establishment of partnerships with local organisations, including The Decent Welfare Society and The Cleft Hospital in Gujrat, Pakistan. Together, they have worked tirelessly to support sustainable healthcare solutions and provide training to local medical staff.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Nick's optimism and resilience have been unwavering. He has led volunteer teams of medical professionals to Gujrat, Pakistan, where they have conducted thousands of surgeries and improved healthcare infrastructure in the region. Nick's commitment to excellence and compassion for those in need have earned him widespread recognition, including a British Community Honours Award in 2008.

As we mourn the loss of a true humanitarian, let us honour Nick Hart's memory by continuing his work and striving to make a difference in the lives of others. His legacy of compassion, courage, and service will forever inspire us to reach out with kindness and generosity, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched.