The family of a Belfast man who died while waiting for a heart transplant, are continuing to keep his memory alive.
Gavin Casson was found dead at his home in Poleglass three years ago. He was just 37-years-old when he died, after being on the urgent transplant list for six months.
Speaking to Belfast Live shortly after his death, Gavin's sister Ashleigh described her brother as a quiet man who "kept himself to himself". He was diagnosed with dilated and muscular dystrophy when he was 24, and then had a pacemaker fitted before being officially put on the transplant list six months before his death.
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Next week, Gavin's family will come together to pay special tributes to him, on what would have been his 40th birthday. The family are hosting a fundraising event in the Suffolk Inn, with all proceeds being donated to NI Chest Heart and Stroke.
"We were always going to do something for Gavin's 40th birthday," Ashleigh said.
"It will be a night to remember him, with all money raised going to a good cause. There'll be raffles, with prizes, DJs, a buffet and things like that. there are tickets available but you can also pay at the door on the night.
"St Kieran's Primary School, where my children go to, actually held a fundraising day where everybody wore something red to school and through that, they raised £400 for Chest Heart and Stroke.
"This is just our way of remembering Gavin, and to raise money for the charity. Since his death, the new organ donation law has passed here, Dáithí's Law, which is brilliant. Hopefully more people can be saved because of the change in law.
"Gavin is spoken about every day. He has missed out on so much. I have had another baby, his brother has had another baby. He became a great-uncle and will become one again soon. Those wee things that he has missed out on, and we have missed him."
Ashleigh said businesses across the community have supported the fundraising event, by donating various items for their raffle prices.
She said the family has been blown away by the kindness they have witnessed, in the months and years following her brother's untimely death.
"The people have been brilliant, honestly," she added.
"We couldn't have done any of this without them, and without the businesses who have come onboard too. It will be a great night and we are looking forward to celebrating Gavin's birthday, and raising money for a brilliant cause."
The Department of Health has said that the new organ donation law, which will consider all adults in Northern Ireland as potential donors unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group, will come into effect from June 1, 2023.
Please click here to donate in memory of Gavin Casson.
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