Northern Ireland

Belfast boy behind Dáithí's law campaign to receive freedom of city

Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his father Máirtín outside the Houses of Parliament in February. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his father Máirtín outside the Houses of Parliament in February. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire. Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his father Máirtín outside the Houses of Parliament in February. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire.
By Allan Preston

A six-year-old boy from west Belfast who helped to change the law on organ donation is to receive the Freedom of the City on Saturday.

Dáithí Mac Gabhann is on the waiting list for a heart transplant and, after the collapse of Stormont, his family took part in a major campaign to pass what became known as Dáithí's law in Westminster.

A Belfast City Council said the decision to bestow the city's highest honour on the young boy was to recognise his work to change the law and raise awareness on organ donation.

Dáithí’s Law is now set to come into effect on June 1, meaning that all adults in Northern Ireland will be considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt out or an in an excluded group.

Young Dáithí pictured with parents Mairtin Mac Gabhann Seph Ni Mheallain at Stormont in February.
Young Dáithí pictured with parents Mairtin Mac Gabhann Seph Ni Mheallain at Stormont in February. Young Dáithí pictured with parents Mairtin Mac Gabhann Seph Ni Mheallain at Stormont in February.

Earlier this week, Dáithí's father Mairtin was among guests invited to a royal garden party in Hillsborough attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Last month, Dáithí also received an award for his achievements in person from the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in recognition of his achievements.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presents six-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann, who is awaiting a heart transplant, with an award recognising “outstanding volunteers” for his contribution to his community during the Points of Light Awards held at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast (Niall Carson/PA)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presents six-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann, who is awaiting a heart transplant, with an award recognising “outstanding volunteers” for his contribution to his community during the Points of Light Awards held at the Culloden Hotel Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presents six-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann, who is awaiting a heart transplant, with an award recognising “outstanding volunteers” for his contribution to his community during the Points of Light Awards held at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast (Niall Carson/PA)

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