A Father's Heart: The Story Behind Daithi's Law

This is one of the festival's Pay What You Can events.

In May 2023, the law regarding organ donation in Northern Ireland changed forever. Known as "Dáithí’s Law," it moved the region to a deemed consent (opt-out) system – a monumental shift that was the result of years of relentless campaigning. At the center of this movement was a young boy with a big smile and a father who refused to take "no" for an answer.

We invite you to a special evening with Máirtín Mac Gabhann, the man behind the Donate4Dáithí campaign. In a deep-dive interview hosted by the BBC’s Jayne McCormack, Máirtín will share the emotional and political rollercoaster of the last six years.

• Hear the firsthand account of the Mac Gabhann family’s life since Dáithí’s diagnosis with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and their ongoing wait for a gift of life.
• Learn how a grassroots campaign captured the hearts of the public, crossed political divides at Stormont, and eventually reached the halls of Westminster.
• Gain insight into how ordinary people can effect extraordinary legal change through storytelling and persistence.
• Join a discussion on the importance of organ donation awareness and what the new law means for the hundreds of people currently on the transplant waiting list.

This event is a testament to the power of a father’s love and a celebration of the "Dáithí-sized" impact one family can have on a whole society. Whether you have followed the journey from the beginning or are looking to be inspired by a story of hope and resilience, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics