Charlie’s wellbeing must be prime factor

The case of Charlie Gard is truly heart-wrenching.

The desire of his parents to explore every possible avenue before giving up on their beloved son is entirely understandable.

Equally easy to comprehend among those not intimately involved is the determination of medical experts to give an honest appraisal of Charlie’s chances.

UK doctors are convinced the tot is terminally ill and cannot be saved.

However, hope is a powerful emotion and it has carried Charlie’s parents over the Atlantic to America, where they have found a medical expert who insists treatment may be possible.

The neurology professor flew to Britain yesterday and meetings over the case are due to continue today, before the tragic case returns to the courts.

The story has made headlines across the globe, with such leading figures as the Pope and US President Donald Trump offering words of support.

Doctors at Great Ormond Street hospital believe experimental “nucleoside” therapy would not improve Charlie’s quality of life, but his parents maintain it could transform their son’s prognosis.

It is a deeply troubling case but, amid all the legal wrangles and potentially far-reaching implications, all that really matters is that the 10-month-old’s welfare remains the primary motivator for all concerned.