The family of Dáithí Mac Gabhann have confirmed that he will undergo surgery later this week amid hopes he will be placed back on the heart transplant waiting list.
The six-year-old from Ballymurphy, who inspired a change in the organ donation laws in Northern Ireland, was “temporarily suspended” from the list last month due to his health.
He will undergo a cardiac catheter in Newcastle on Thursday.
Read more: Grandad's Disneyland dream for Dáithí following transplant setback
On Sunday night, Dáithí's family confirmed that they had secured a date for new surgery which they hope will see him back in line for a new heart.He has been on the heart transplant waiting list since 2018 having been born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome,
“We have a date for Dáithí’s surgery,” his family tweeted.
“Dáithí will travel to Newcastle on Wednesday and undergo a cardiac catheter on Thursday, which will hopefully get him back active on the heart transplant waiting list.
“All positive thoughts and prayers welcome.”
Last month Dáithí was awarded the Freedom of Belfast after his family’s campaign to bring in opt-out organ donation in Northern Ireland.
The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) legislation, known as Daithi’s Law, changed the way consent is granted for organ donation.
Adults are now deemed to have given consent as a potential organ donor after their death unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group, with the goal of increasing the number of organs available for donation.
The lack of an assembly meant that Daithi’s Law could not be passed at Stormont, prompting Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris to bypass the collapsed institutions to pass legislation at Westminster that allowed the law to come into effect.
Last week, Daithi’ cut a cake for healthcare workers at a special event at Stormont celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
His father Mairtin also thanked the health service for saving his son’s life.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
