The mother of a brave Co Down child who died last week has said his smile would have lit up every room.
Ollie Grant, from Kilcoo, passed away on Friday, January 13, while being cared for in the Freeman Hospital. The four-year-old, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome - a rare type of congenital heart disease, where the left side of the heart doesn't develop properly and is too small.
This diagnosis inspired Ollie's family and community to rally for more awareness around organ donation.
Read more: Dáithí's Law expected to save the lives of organ transplant patients
Speaking to Belfast Live, Ollie's mum Riona said anyone who met him fell instantly in love.
"He so was affectionate and always gave the best hug," she shared.
"Ollie had the most amazing long eyelashes and beautiful smile which lit up the room. Nothing was ever straightforward for Ollie but he took it all in his stride and defied many odds and we are so so proud of him and so proud to call him our son.
"Life will never be the same without Ollie and our hearts are shattered but we hope his legacy lives on. Unfortunately Ollie was so poorly in the last few days of his life he wasn’t able to donate any of his organs but we will continue to spread the importance of organ donation awareness to help as many people as we can."
Kilcoo GAC said Ollie was "a wee fighter right to end".
A spokesperson for the club added: "The Gaels of Eoghan Rua Cill Chua are saddened to hear of the death of little Ollie Grant, Moneyscalp. Ollie was a wee fighter right to end.
"This is truly devastating for the wee man’s family in particular, and we offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Grant family circle, especially his parents Damien and Riona at this very sad and difficult time. May he rest in peace."
For more information on organ donation, please follow this link.
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