World says goodbye to Charlie
LEADERS & STARS PAY RESPECTS
TRIBUTES have poured in from around the globe for tragic Charlie Gard.
Parents Chris Gard, 32, and Connie Yates, 31, announced the death of their “beautiful little boy” on Friday.
Charlie died a week before his first birthday after a legal battle between the couple and London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital over his treatment.
Pope Francis and Prime Minister Theresa May were among those to honour the youngster on their Twitter accounts.
Mrs May, 60, said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Charlie Gard.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie’s parents Chris and Connie at this difficult time.”
The Pope, 80, who supported Charlie’s mum and dad during their legal fight, tweeted: “I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him.”
And US Vice President Mike Pence added: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time.”
A host of celebrities also paid their respects online.
TV presenter Jake Humphrey,
38, shared a picture of the tot in his hospital bed captioned: “RIP Charlie Gard.”
Model Jodie Marsh, 38, praised Charlie’s mother and father, writing: “RIP Charlie Gard. So utterly sad. Thoughts are with his amazing parents who fought so hard for him.”
X Factor winner Sam Bailey, 40, tweeted: “RIP LITTLE CHARLIE GARD!!! Heaven has gained the most precious little prince xx thoughts to all his family xxx”
And TV presenter Piers Morgan, 52, added: RIP Charlie Gard. A brave little boy who touched the world.”
Charlie suffered from mitochondrial disease, which causes progressive muscle weakness and brain damage.
Hundreds of supporters – dubbed Charlie’s Army – donated
£1.35million online to help pay for treatment abroad.
Chris and Connie fought to take their son to the USA for nucleoside bypass therapy but specialists at Great Ormond Street said the treatment was experimental and would not help.
After the couple gave up their legal battle to extend Charlie’s treatment, they claimed they were “denied” their “final wish” when a High Court judge approved a plan to move Charlie to a hospice and quickly withdraw his life support.
His parents had pleaded to be allowed to spend several days with the tot before he passed away.
An earlier request to take him home to die was also refused.
A hospital spokeswoman said: “Everyone at Great Ormond Street sends their heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s parents and loved ones at this very sad time.”