Dáithí’s Life-Saving Heart Transplant | Belfast News

A nine-year-old boy, Dáithí Mac Gabhann, received a life-saving heart transplant after an unprecedented eight-year wait — the longest ever for a child. Diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome as an infant, Dáithí’s family became fierce advocates for organ donation reform in Northern Ireland, leading to the landmark “Dáithí’s Law” in 2023, which switched the system to opt-out. His father, Máirtín, described the transplant as a miracle and a new beginning, though he acknowledged the road ahead won’t be easy. The call for a donor came as a shock — Máirtín was “gobsmacked” and terrified, yet determined to be brave for his son. Within two hours, Dáithí was on his way to Newcastle for the successful surgery. Doctors are already calling his early recovery “incredible,” offering him the chance to finally live a full childhood — swimming with friends, walking to the shop, and truly living his best life. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8a0ab0d1a0ee43fc