A Belfast nine-year-old has received a heart transplant after an eight-year wait for a suitable donor, his family have confirmed. The operation marks a crucial step in the recovery of Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who was born in 2016 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition in which the left side of the heart does not form correctly.
Family statement and gratitude
In a message posted on social media, Dáithí’s family described the transplant as a gift and expressed deep thanks to the donor and their relatives, while stressing that the child’s recovery is only beginning. They asked for privacy and for continued support and prayers as Dáithí faces a lengthy recuperation.
“Dáithí has received the gift of a heart transplant. His wait, the longest of any child in the world for a heart transplant, is over… Organ donation is the greatest gift anyone can ever give.”
The family also urged people to keep talking about organ donation, saying those conversations save lives. Out of respect for the donor and their family, they declined to provide further personal details.
Local campaigning and legal change
Dáithí’s case has been a prominent part of organ donation discussions in Northern Ireland in recent years. His family spent months campaigning for a change in organ donation laws to increase the number of potential donors. In 2023, legislation commonly referred to as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ was introduced; under the new rules people automatically become potential organ donors unless they explicitly opt out.
- Born in 2016 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
- Recognised in 2022 with a Special Recognition honour at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.
- 2023: legislation introduced commonly called ‘Dáithí’s Law’.
- 2026: received a heart transplant after an eight-year wait.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Dáithí born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome |
| 2022 | Special Recognition honour at Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards |
| 2023 | Introduction of organ donation legislation referred to as ‘Dáithí’s Law’ |
| 2026 | Underwent heart transplant after eight-year wait |
This transplant brings to a head years of campaigning and public attention. Local health services, transplant teams and donor families all play roles in such operations, and the family’s public appeal highlights the ongoing importance of organ donation as a public-health issue in Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Those wishing to offer support or to follow official updates have been asked by the family to respect their privacy as Dáithí recovers. They reiterated their plea for people to continue discussing organ donation, describing it as “the greatest gift anyone can ever give.”
