Parents of tragic Charlie Gard launch children’s foundation

The parents of baby Charlie Gard, who died after being at the centre of a High Court treatment battle, have launched a foundation to provide a “brighter future” for other children.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard say the Charlie Gard Foundation aims to invest in research and provide support to families.

The couple launched the foundation on Friday and said they were keen to fund research projects.

Charlie died in July last year, a week before his first birthday.

Mr Gard and Ms Yates, who are in their 30s and come from Bedfont, west London, had asked the High Court to rule that Charlie should be allowed to undergo a therapy trial in New York.

Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London said the therapy would not help, and life-support treatment should stop.

Mr Justice Francis ruled in favour of Great Ormond Street after analysing the case at hearings, and Charlie’s parents failed to overturn the ruling in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

The couple raised more than £1.3 million, which they want to use to establish a foundation.

His parents say they want to raise awareness of Charlie’s condition – mitochondrial depletion syndrome.

“Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for mitochondrial sufferers through innovative research, family support, and raise much-needed awareness for this devastating condition,” they said in a statement on the Charlie Gard Foundation website.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard with little Charlie.