WEST Belfast toddler Dáithí Mac Gabhann rubbed shoulders with his boxing hero Michael Conlan yesterday as the sportsman prepares to raise awareness for organ donation during his Feile an Phobail fight.
As the boxer faces Diego Alberto Ruiz at Falls Park tomorrow night, his clothing will bear the logo of Donate4Dáithí, which was established by Dáithí's family to urge members of the public to sign the organ and tissue donor register.
Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Dáithí has already undergone a number of major surgeries and has been on the waiting list for a new heart for more than a year.
His parents Máirtín and Seph have been campaigning for people to become organ donors in a bid to "give Dáithí the best chance of life".
And Mr Mac Gabhann last night said the support from Conlan would give them a fantastic platform to highlight their campaign.
"Mick has always lent his support to our campaign, he has been a great ambassador for us and what we are trying to do," he said.
"On Saturday, Dáithí's logo will be on Mick's shorts during his fight, which will not only be watched by 10,000 fans in Falls Park, but also by viewers of BT Sport and ESPN.
"This is the platform we need to get Dáithí's campaign out there, to spread awareness of organ donation and give more chances to Dáithí and people like him.
"We’re so grateful to be given such a platform and hope that people will consider registering themselves and their families as organ donors."
Mr Mac Gabhann said Dáithí will also be the grand marshall of the Féile an Phobail carnival parade on August 10.
"We've been going to Féile an Phobail for years, so it's just amazing that Dáithí will be a part of it as well as raising awareness," he said.
"Dáithí is currently still on the transplant list, it's a waiting game.
"But we hope that by using Dáithí's personal story, we can help to raise awareness.
"He's the happiest child, full of life and we want to give Dáithí the best chance of life."
