A nine-year-old boy playing football in his front garden on a cloudy Tuesday afternoon is a far from peculiar sight as the summer holidays draw to a close – but for Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family this everyday normality marks the end to an almost eight-year journey.
In July, the young west Belfast boy underwent heart transplant surgery in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, England, after being on the waiting list since 2018.
On Monday he returned home to a hero’s welcome after spending weeks recovering.
Read more: Belfast schoolboy Dáithí Mac Gabhann receives heart transplant after almost eight-year wait
Born with a rare condition – hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) – his family campaigned for years to introduce a soft opt-out law for organ donation in the north, known as Dáithí’s Law, which came into effect in 2023.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann waited eight years for a new heart PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN
Now back home following his transplant, he will remain in isolation until October, when he will be able to return to school and a new, full life thanks to his new heart.
When asked alongside his dad Máirtín Mac Gabhann what he was most looking forward to now that he has had his transplant, the nine-year-old replied: “I’m really looking forward to go on my bike.”
Speaking to The Irish News, Mr Mac Gabhann said that it was “unbelievable” to have his son back home.
“Even thinking of Dáithí getting the gift of a new heart was beyond our wildest dreams, but to get him now home to Ballymurphy, to continue his journey, that’s a sign that he’s doing well,” he said.
“I suppose as a parent, that’s what I’m most looking forward to, Dáithí being able to do the normal things that kids his age do – play on the street with his friends, walk to the corner shop, play football, probably join a sports team if he can.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann with his father Máirtín, who said he is excited for his son to be able to do things like other kids his age
PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN
“And just not get out of breath after walking maybe 20 metres, go swimming with school, or playing in the yard. Dáithí was never allowed to be in the yard.”
Back alongside his three younger brothers, Mr Mac Gabhann said that the “chaos” of them at home again was “an absolute blessing and a privilege”.
With just six weeks until Dáithí is fully able to return to normal life, Mr Mac Gabhann said that his “wonderful neighbours who are already planning a big street party for him”.
He said he was grateful for the support of both the local and wider community in getting to this point – especially the donor family.
“We’re very grateful to the donor family and the donor because they’ve saved Dáithí’s life,” he added.
“We don’t know who they are, we may never know who they are, but what we’re certain of is that we’re very grateful and it’s very difficult to find the words.
“All we have is thank you and hope that Dáithí just lives his absolute best life now as thank you to his donor and their family.”