Irish boy receives record breaking heart transplant

Dáithi held the record for the longest wait of any child in the world for a heart transplant, having been on the waiting list since 2018.

The Belfast schoolboy was born with a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This means he only had half of a working heart, with the left side not forming correctly in the womb.

Thanks to his parent’s efforts, he has become a role model on raising awareness towards organ donations. 

His family’s campaign led to major changes in Northern Ireland’s law by introducing a new legislation called Dáithi’s Law, an opt-out organ donation system which means people are considered potential donors unless they explicitly say they don’t want it to be. 

The legislation came into effect in June 2023, and has been brought into line with the rest of the UK.

This morning on his social media Dáithí’s parents confirmed that the transplant was successful. 

"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," they said. 

“Organ donation is the greatest gift anyone can ever give.”

His family still stresses that this is just the beginning of his recovery, and highlights the importance and visibility for organ donation, which “saves lives”. 

First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O’Neill expressed her delight on social media and sent her thoughts and prayers to Dáithí and his parents for his recovery.

“I’m absolutely over the moon at the news that Dáithí Mac Gabhann has received the gift of a heart transplant.

Dáithí is an absolutely incredible young boy, with a strength and courage that would match the bravest of us all.

Despite all the challenges life has thrown at him, he has faced every one with a smile that would light up the darkest corner of any room”, she posted.