Dáithí Mac Gabhann, a six-year-old boy born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, has spent 1,900 days on the heart transplant waiting list. His family has been campaigning for changes to organ donation laws in Northern Ireland, and their efforts were successful as the new legislation came into effect on June 1. Recently, Dáithí underwent cardiac surgery in Newcastle, which allowed him to be placed back on the waiting list. His family, through the Donate4Dáithí campaign, continues to raise awareness about organ donation and encourages the public to join the organ donation list.
Dáithí’s Law, named after the Ballymurphy child, has changed the way consent for organ donation is granted in Northern Ireland, with most adults now being considered potential organ donors. Due to the lack of a functioning assembly, the law had to be passed at Westminster by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris. The law has given hope to Dáithí and many others waiting for life-saving organ transplants.
