The letter from Bill Clinton.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has written to a young boy from Northern Ireland awaiting a heart transplant encouraging him to “keep up the great work”.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann has been on the heart transplant waiting list since 2018 and his family have tirelessly campaigned for the legislation on organ donation to be changed to help increase the number of donors.
The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, is known as named in ‘Dáithí’s Law’ in recognition of the young boy.
He was granted the Freedom of the City of Belfast in 2023 and celebrated at Belfast City Hall – becoming the youngest ever recipient of this honour.
Over the years he has received support from celebrities, including Newcastle United FC legend Alan Shearer, Man United star Marcus Rashford and TV presenter Vernon Kay who hosted the ceremony for the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards where Dáithí was honoured.
A post on Donate4Dáithí on X (formerly known as Twitter) said “it’s not every day a letter comes through door in Ballymurphy from a former US President”.
A letter from the ex-President who is credited for his role in the NI peace process came on paper headed, ‘William Jefferson Clinton’.
The letter from Bill Clinton.
It states: “Your dad wrote to tell me about your recent visit to City Hall, to see your name listed among the freemen of Belfast.
“I’m so proud to share that honour with someone as amazing as you. As someone who’s had heart surgery myself, I know how scary it can be, and I’m so impressed by the bravery you’ve shown throughout your life.
“I’m also deeply inspired by the way you and your family have worked hard to make positive change across Northern Ireland.
“Our world would be better if there were more people like you. I hope I’ll have the chance to meet you and your family the next time I’m in Belfast.
“Until then, keep up your great work, and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York.”
Lots of people commented on the post, with one person saying: “Amazing Dáithí, such a lovely letter. I hope you get to meet Bill Clinton.”
Others described Dáithí as a “special” and “amazing wee boy” saying it was “lovely to see”.
