The father of the child who led to a change in organ donation rules in Northern Ireland says he would accept an MBE because he would do anything to save his son's life.
Martin Mac Gavan, from west Belfast, is father to seven-year-old Daithi, who has been waiting six years for a heart transplant. He said accepting the King's Birthday Honour “was not an easy decision”, but added that Daithi's cause was “bigger than any political stance”.
Daithi, who has lived with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) since birth, was the face of a high-profile campaign in Northern Ireland.
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Most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered potential organ donors, following changes to the way consent is given when the Daity Act came into force last year. Adults are deemed to have consented to be potential organ donors after their death, unless they object or belong to an excluded group.
His father, Meartin, is set to receive an MBE for his services to organ donation.
Mac Govern said: “For me this is recognition of the impact of Daithi's campaigning and the legislative success of Daithi's Bill, which has been in place for just a year and is saving lives.”
“We believe this reflects the positive change we are bringing to society and spreading awareness of the importance of organ donation and saving lives, which is what our campaign is about.”
He added: “It is an honour to receive this recognition, but I must admit that it was not an easy or honest decision to accept due to my own political stance and opinions. However, having said that, I have been very careful during my election campaign to keep any personal political stance aside for the sake of our mission.”
“This is not about me personally, Daithi's campaign has always been about something bigger than any political stance. The campaign is for people from all walks of life, from all backgrounds in society and honestly, it is about the urgent need for organ donation and the cause transcends any politics.”
Mr Mac Govern said he hoped receiving the honour would encourage more people to join the organ donation register.
He said: “Our goal has always been to further this work and save lives, including Daithi's, and we believe this recognition will definitely contribute to that effort. The recognition provides a platform, and we hope that the attention this recognition brings will lead to more donors and more lives saved.”
“My name is on it but this is much broader – my whole family, the organ donation family. When we all come together for a common cause, you can really see the impact. Daithi and the campaign have brought people together at a time when we weren't together.”
“I will do whatever it takes to save my son's life. That is more important than any political stance.”
Mac Gavan said Daithi's condition was now stable but he would require another operation in Newcastle before the end of the year.
He said: “He is still very ill but is resilient. His smile and sense of humour are simply contagious.”
“He is the most positive person I know and he is the reason I get up every morning and face life. He always has a smile on his face and does everything he wants and is just the most amazing boy. I am so proud to be his dad.”
Mac Gavan added: “He's been on the waiting list for six years now so he's probably the longest-waiting child in the UK.”
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