We’ve been given a little more time with Charlie, we are making precious memories to treasure...
Withdrawal of tot’s care postponed
THE heartbroken parents of Charlie Gard have been given precious extra time with the tot after doctors postponed turning off his life support.
Chris Gard, 32, and Connie Yates had expected medics yesterday to withdraw the treatment keeping their 10-month-old son alive.
But Connie, 31, said: “We’ve been in talks today with Great Ormond Street and they agreed to give us a little bit more time with Charlie.
“We are really grateful for all the support from the public at this extremely difficult time.
“We’re making precious memories that we can treasure for ever with very heavy hearts.”
It comes after an emotional interview with Chris and Connie on Thursday, when they said they had little time left with their son.
Great Ormond Street Hospital had said it was in “no rush” to change his treatment after the European Court of Human Rights rejected the parents’ final legal bid to save Charlie earlier this week.
But postman Chris and carer Connie, from Bedfont, South West London, said in a tearful video: “We begged them to give us the weekend. Friends and family wanted to come and see Charlie for the last time. But now there isn’t even time for that. Doctors said they would not rush to turn off his ventilator but we are being rushed.”
A spokesman for Great Ormond Street said yesterday: “Together with Charlie’s parents we’re putting plans in place for his care, and to give them more time as a family. We would ask you to give the family and our staff some space and privacy at this distressing time.”
Charlie is thought to be one of 16 children in the world with mitochondrial depletion syndrome, which causes progressive muscle weakness and brain damage. The tot developed signs of the genetic condition at eight weeks old.
His parents wanted to take him to the US for treatment but doctors said it would only prolong his pain.