Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Charlie has got a 10% chance.. If he was your son you would take it
Gard parents’ plea to judge as emotions run high in court
guardian appointed to independently represent the youngster’s interests told the judge they were struggling to find any new evidence.
They said the “new research” had been available for the judge’s consideration in April and was purely lab-based, relating to patients with muscle problems only – not brain damage. Great Ormond Street also describes the proposed experimental therapies as “unjustified” and not a cure.
Mr Justice Francis will go through the new evidence at a hearing on Thursday but said he would not make a final decision then.
In April, the same judge ruled that treatment could be withdrawn from Charlie after arguments from both sides.
His decision has been upheld by the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
Referring to the huge public backing Connie and Chris have received, the judge said yesterday he must decide the case “on evidence, not tweets”, adding: “There is not a person alive who would not want to save Charlie. If there is new evidence I will hear it.
“If you bring new evidence to me and I consider that evidence changes the situation... I will be the first to welcome that outcome.”
Experts say Charlie, who appeared healthy when born but fell ill aged just eight weeks, has irreversible brain damage, a claim his parents, of Bedfont, West London, do not accept.
They have fought a campaign to keep him alive, raising more than £1million to pay for treatment they hope will make a difference.