Hundreds gathered in Belfast on Friday night to celebrate the passing of a new organ donation law - Dáithí's Law.
Inspired by Ballymurphy child Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who needs a heart transplant, the opt-out system, which already operates in the rest of the UK, will mean adults in Northern Ireland would be presumed to be donors, unless they took a decision to opt out.
In a room full of pink hearts and a lot of hope, crowds cheered for young Dáithí, 6, who appeared dressed to perfection in a three-piece suit.
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Speaking on the night, in The Devenish Complex, James Nesbitt paid tribute to Dáithí and his parents Mairtin and Seph.
He said: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honour and privilege to be here today to celebrate a remarkable young man who has touched the hearts of many people across this city and beyond. His name is Dáithí Mac Gabhann, and he is a true hero.
"Dáithí was born with a rare condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of his heart is underdeveloped. He has half the heart but believe me, he has twice the fight. He has had many surgeries and procedures which allow him to be here tonight with us, but he needs a heart transplant to survive. He has been on the waiting list for almost five years, and he has never given up hope.
James continued: "But Dáithí is not just a patient. He is also a campaigner, an advocate, and a leader. He and his parents have been tirelessly raising awareness and promoting organ donation in Northern Ireland and beyond. Their Donate4Dáithí campaign has saved many lives and now Dáithí's Law, which aims to change the law to an opt-out system of organ donation, will hopefully add to that. This will increase the number of organs available for transplant and save more lives in the years to come.
"Dáithí's Law has received widespread support from politicians, celebrities, sports stars, and ordinary people. It has also inspired many people to sign up as organ donors and to have conversations with their families about their wishes. Dáithí has shown us the power of one voice, one message, one cause.
"Dáithí is also a joyous, playful, and loving child. He enjoys playing with his toys, watching cartoons, reading books, and spending time with his family and friends. He has a bright smile, a big personality, and a brave spirit.
"He also loves to throw a mean right hook that I, and many others in this room have unfortunately felt. He has faced many challenges and hardships in his short life, but he has never lost his zest for life.
"We are here to honour Dáithí for his courage, his determination, his generosity, and his impact. We are here to say thank you for sharing your story with us and for inspiring us to be better people. We are here to say that we are proud of you and that we stand with you.
"Dáithí Mac Gabhann, you are a hero. You are a legend, and now you will be a freeman of Belfast. You deserve the Freedom of the City of Belfast. Congratulations."
Amongst family and friends, and others who have helped the Donate4Dáithí campaign over the years, Belfast boxers Paddy Barnes, Tyrone McKenna, Tommy McCarthy, Pody McCrory were also there to show support.
David Goodwin and Josh Roach from the Belfast Giants also stood with the family on Friday evening, as did Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black.
The British Heart Foundation NI and Children's Heartbeat Trust also attended the Dáithí's Law Victory Dance, which the family has said will be "a night we will remember forever".
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