Belfast boy receives letter from former US President Bill Clinton

A young boy from Belfast who inspired a change in organ donation law has received a personal letter from former US President Bill Clinton.

Eight-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann has been waiting for a new heart for seven years.

His dad Máirtín Mac Gabhann began a campaign to highlight the issue and in 2023 'Dáithí's law' was introduced.

It means most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered as potential organ donors after their death, unless they actively opt out.

Máirtín wrote to the former US President Bill Clinton about Dáithí and this week received the encouraging letters.

The young dad told us he also received a separate letter from Mr Clinton, in which he told Máirtín 'your letter took my breath away – press on.'

"Knowing that people think of us and Dáithí has always meant the world," he said.

He added: "We never imagined Dáithí would still be waiting after seven years, but we are, and we’re asking people not to turn away.

"If anything, now’s the time to look again.”

The letters came during a tough week, the week Dáithí was recovering after he had a cardiac procedure in Newcastle, but Máirtín says they are 'incredibly grateful for his stability and for the support we've had over the years.'

"We are hoping to use this moment to remind people of one simple but urgent message:

"Join the organ donor register, and talk to your family about your decision," he added.

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