Belfast freedom for organ donation campaigner Daiti

A six-year-old boy who helped reform Northern Ireland’s organ donation laws was granted his freedom in Belfast this afternoon.

Little Daiti McGovern, from west Belfast, is the youngest person ever to win the award.

The campaign by him and his family contributed to changes in laws regarding organ donation.

This means that adults in Northern Ireland will automatically be treated as organ donors unless they specifically opt out.

Daiti had heart disease and had been on the transplant list for several years.

His father, Martin, said it was a big day for the family. He said his son has always wanted to go to the circus and would be thrilled to see the big top and performers gathered on the City Hall grounds in his honor.

Belfast Mayor Councilor Tina Black said the young campaigner “has the keys to our hearts and now he has the keys to our city”.

Moves to reform the law were halted by the collapse of Stormont.

Before it could finally be put into operation, it had to give effect to legislation enacted in Westminster. It took effect earlier this week.