Parents given more time before baby’s life support switched off

Charlie Gard’s parents have been given more time before their baby son’s life support is switched off.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates wanted 10-month-old Charlie, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, to undergo a therapy trial in the US.

But specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) said the therapy was experimental and would not help.

The couple said they had been told Charlie’s life support would be switched off yesterday, but the hospital said they are working on plans for his care and to give his family more time with him.

A spokeswoman said: “Together with Charlie’s parents we are putting plans in place for his care, and to give them more time together as a family.

Charlie’s parents, both in their 30s and from Bedfont, west London, had asked European court judges in Strasbourg, France, to consider their claim after judges in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London ruled infavour of GOSH doctors.

But on Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights refused to intervene.

The couple say they have been denied their final wish to be able to take their son home to die and feel “let down” following the lengthy legal battle.

Alongside a video posted on YouTube on Thursday, Charlie’s parents wrote: “We are utterly heartbroken spending our last precious hours with our baby boy.

“We’re not allowed to choose if our son lives and we’re not allowed to choose when or where Charlie dies.

“We, and most importantly Charlie, have been massively let down throughout this whole process.”

Picture: PA. Charlie’s parents wanted to take their son home to die.