Enacted in June 2023, Dáithí’s Law brought Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK on presumed organ donation unless opted out or excluded.

The donor match was found within hours and Dáithí’s transplant was performed at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle by surgeon Dr. Mohamed Nassar.

Dáithí had been on the waiting list since 2018, and the operation at the Freeman Hospital marked a life-changing milestone.

Dáithí’s father says his son can now make the absolute most of life and shows visible signs of recovery after the heart transplant, optimistic about the future.

He also expresses deep gratitude to the transplant team and the donor, hoping Dáithí’s journey ahead will be long and hopeful.

The family’s rehabilitation and further tests lie ahead, but the father believes Dáithí could live a life close to normal and seize opportunities with his new heart.

Dáithí’s family helped push organ donation reform in Northern Ireland, contributing to the 2023 introduction of Dáithí’s Law.

Dáithí’s Law established deemed consent for organ donation in most cases, with opt-out provisions and certain exclusions.

Dáithí was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left heart did not develop properly.

The family endured years on the waiting list, including a recent suspension, making the transplant a particularly meaningful turning point.

Health officials and supporters praised Dáithí’s impact on awareness and donor decisions, urging others to consider organ donation and discuss decisions with family.

The nine-year-old Belfast boy’s transplant marks a major milestone for him and for Northern Ireland’s organ donation landscape.