Belfast exhibition marks one year since organ donor law change

It is one year since the introduction of the opt-out organ donation legislation - Daithi's law

A photo exhibition portraying children waiting for an organ transplant has been displayed in Belfast on the first anniversary of landmark reform of Northern Ireland's donation laws.

To mark the date, Belfast City Hall also hosted an awareness-raising family fun event organised by Organ Donation Northern Ireland.

Most adults in the region are now considered potential organ donors after Daithi's Law came into effect on June 1, 2023.

The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) legislation changed the way consent is granted.

Adults are now deemed to have given consent as potential organ donors after their death unless they choose to opt-out or are in an excluded group.

The law was named after Belfast boy Daithi Mac Gabhann who inspired a campaign to change organ donation laws in Northern Ireland.

Seven-year-old Daithi is battling hypoplastic left heart syndrome and needs a new heart.

He is the subject of one of the powerful images that make up "The Call" exhibition.

Brought to Belfast by Northern Ireland'sPublic Health Agency, the name of the exhibition refers to the wait for a potentially life-changing phone call to say a suitable donor has been found.

Like other children depicted, Daithi has been photographed holding a symbolic red telephone.

Award-winning photographer Debbie Todd captured the images of the children in an exhibition created by Red Sky Foundation, a charity that raises funds for babies, children and adults who are born with or develop heart conditions and who are in need of cardiac care.

Across the UK, there are more than 7,000 people in need of a transplant, 241 of whom are children.

There were 35 paediatric donations across the UK in the last year, with 158 paediatric transplants received by patients.

Children requiring a heart transplant wait for 2.5 times longer than adults on average.

Mairtin Mac Gabhann, Daithi's father, said the family was incredibly proud that he was part of the exhibition.

"Our son Daithi has been waiting for a new heart for six of his seven years - a heart-wrenching journey that has been filled with stress and uncertainty," he said.

"Children like Daithi wait around 2.5 times longer than adults for the gift of a transplant and face a higher risk of dying while on the waiting list.

"Joining the NHS Organ Donor Register as a whole family, regardless of age, is a courageous decision. While it may seem like a lot to ask, it is our only option as organ donation is the last resort and the only lifesaving gift that people on the waiting list can receive.

"We deeply thank the Red Sky Foundation for their support with The Call exhibition and their crucial work in raising awareness about paediatric organ donation.

"Though Daithi is now featured in 'The Call', our family eagerly hopes for the day we receive that life-changing call. We have been campaigning for years now around organ donation and firmly believe that together, we can all make a huge difference and give children like Daithi a chance at a brighter future."

Photographer Ms Todd added: "I hope that the photographs will encourage the many people who see them to discuss whether they would accept a donated organ to save their child. And, if so, would they give the gift of life to another child?"

Aidan Dawson, chief executive of the Public Health Agency, congratulated all involved with the artwork.

"The Call will give hope to many families on the waiting list for an organ transplant," he said.

"The conversations generated by this exhibition will help to open up the sensitive topic of paediatric organ donation, and aims to encourage families to consider registering decisions for the whole family."

One year on from the introduction of Daithi's Law,

welcomed the increase in the number of donors and families supporting organ donation.

The total number of deceased donors increased in 2023/24, with 64 donations proceeding to save lives, up from 59 in 2022/23.

"The latest data highlights the continued positive impact organ donation has on saving lives," said Mr Nesbitt.

"In total, the 64 organ donors from NI in 2023/24 have saved 158 lives, and 79 patients from here have had a life-saving transplant.

"Seeing the increase in the number of donors and families supporting organ donation is incredibly positive and also gives hope to those in great need of a life-saving transplant."

The Call exhibition can be viewed by the public for two weeks at the event space at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre.

• daithislaw