- Written by Jessica Lawrence
- BBC News NI
image source, Macauley_Multimedia
A six-year-old boy who successfully campaigned for changes to organ donation laws in Northern Ireland has become the youngest person ever to be granted the Freedom of Belfast.
Daitha McGavan, who needs a heart transplant, was honored at City Hall on Saturday.
This means that most adults are considered potential organ donors unless they refuse or belong to an exclusion group.
The purpose of the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act is to increase the number of organs available to people in need of transplants.
A special event at City Hall featuring circus performers and superheroes was designed around Daisa's passion.
Before the ceremony, Daisa's father Martin said he was proud of his son.
“Our Daisa woke up this morning and heard her singing 'Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!' from her room.”
“It is difficult to express in words exactly how I feel, but I am beyond proud. I am convinced that there is no one more deserving of this award than Daito, who has done so much for our society. doing.”
In his speech, Mac Govern described his son as a symbol of hope, resilience and people's power.
“To say I'm proud of Daisa would be an understatement,” he told town hall attendees.
“His courage, resilience and unwavering determination shined brightly through the darkest of times.
“Daiso's journey has been one of great challenges, but he faced them with a spirit that is an inspiration to us all.”
Mac Gavan paid tribute to medical professionals, organ donors and their families who performed the “ultimate selfless act” of giving life to others.
“May this recognition serve as a reminder to all of us of the greatest power within us: the power to change lives, inspire change, and create a world of compassion and love. To.”
Sunshine, smiles, and superheroes at City Hall
Lindsay Lima, BBC News NI
The sun shone on a huge circus tent which had been set up in the grounds of Belfast City Hall in honour of six-year-old Dice.
Circus performers entertained guests ahead of the arrival of the boy who met the Prime Minister and changed the law.
There was a huge round of applause as Daisa was wheeled into the tent by her father Martin, and the venue was filled with excitement throughout the show, which included comedy, magic and, of course, a special presentation that handed Daisa the keys to the city. .
Everywhere I looked, people were smiling and congratulating a boy who had made their lives and the lives of countless others better.
“He moved mountains.”
Belfast Mayor Tina Black said all councilors supported the motion to award Daite, adding that it was an honor to host the event.
“My son is absolutely thrilled to be the youngest person ever to receive the award – it's a theme perfectly suited to him,” she told BBC News NI.
“This day is for him and the other brave children waiting for transplants. It's truly a glorious day for our city.”
Image source, Macauley_Multimedia
The mayor described the McGovern family as “relentlessly brave” and said the six-year-old boy had “moved mountains.”
“He actually gets the key to the city today and I really think he has the key to all of our hearts anyway. But he can also bring sheep to Royal Avenue so you never know when that might come in handy.”
