Northern Ireland

Brave Dáithí launches official Christmas card along with mayor of Belfast

Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey unveils her official Christmas card featuring Dáithí Mac Gabhan (2) born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and is awaiting a heart transplant, the toddler's parents Máirtin and Seph were also there to help launch the card. Picture Mal McCann
Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey unveils her official Christmas card featuring Dáithí Mac Gabhan (2) born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and is awaiting a heart transplant, the toddler's parents Máirtin and Seph were also there to Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey unveils her official Christmas card featuring Dáithí Mac Gabhan (2) born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and is awaiting a heart transplant, the toddler's parents Máirtin and Seph were also there to help launch the card. Picture Mal McCann
By Allison Morris

Brave toddler Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who along with his parents Máirtín and Seph, has been raising awareness for the Organ Donation campaign, was all smiles yesterday as he was unveiled as the official mascot of this year's Belfast City Council Christmas card.

Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Dáithí has already undergone a number of major surgeries, however earlier this year his parents were told that he needs a heart transplant in order to survive.

Máirtín said last week there were 36 children in the UK waiting for a new heart, with two year old Dáithí being one of them.

Some of the pupils from Coaliste Feirste who registered to became organ donors in support of little Daithi Mac Gabhann who needs a heart transplant Picture Mal McCann.
Some of the pupils from Coaliste Feirste who registered to became organ donors in support of little Daithi Mac Gabhann who needs a heart transplant Picture Mal McCann. Some of the pupils from Coaliste Feirste who registered to became organ donors in support of little Daithi Mac Gabhann who needs a heart transplant Picture Mal McCann.

"That dropped this week to 34, which isn't a good statistic as we know at least one of those children lost their life while waiting for a donor organ".

Sinn Féin Lord Mayor, Deirdre Hargey said after meeting the little boy on one of her first engagements as first citizen of the city "I thought of no better person to star in this year's Christmas card.

Dáithí Mac Gabhann at Cliftonville's north Belfast ground.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann at Cliftonville's north Belfast ground. Dáithí Mac Gabhann at Cliftonville's north Belfast ground.

"Dáithí has been so brave and this is a great campaign to support as well as a great gift and message for Christmas."

Read More:Brave Dáithí inspires runners in west Belfast 10k race to raise awareness for organ donation

Daithi Mac Gabhann at the new Organ donation mural on the Whiterock Road Picture Mal McCann.
Daithi Mac Gabhann at the new Organ donation mural on the Whiterock Road Picture Mal McCann. Daithi Mac Gabhann at the new Organ donation mural on the Whiterock Road Picture Mal McCann.