Charlie Gard loses his fight

THE parents of Charlie Gard announced last night the death of “our beautiful little boy”. The baby, whose short life had captivated yet also divided the nation, died in a hospice, just a week shy of his first birthday.

In a short statement released just before 6.30pm, his mother Connie Yates said: “Our beautiful little boy has gone, we are so proud of you Charlie.” Miss Yates and her partner Chris Gard had fought – and lost – a tortuous legal battle, first to try to prolong their son’s life; and then in the past week to gain an extra day or two with their “sweet, gorgeous, innocent little boy”.

Instead Charlie was transferred from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where he was being cared for, to a children’s hospice to die. Charlie had been

been kept alive on a ventilator. The plastic breathing tube was removed by a paediatric medical team and Charlie died shortly afterwards.

GOSH, the world renowned children’s hospital, had gone to court to request his life support be withdrawn. Mr Gard, a postman, and Miss Yates, a carer for young adults with learning difficulties, had argued for him to be given the chance of experimental therapy in New York.

As parents, they felt they knew what was best for their child; the hospital, believed otherwise. The courts sided with GOSH. Donald Trump weighed in, tweeting his support for the child’s parents. So too did Pope Francis.

In a statement just a few days ago, Miss Yates paid tribute before her son’s inevitable passing. “Charlie has had a greater impact on and touched more people in this world in his 11 months than many people do in a lifetime,” she said. “We could not have more love and pride for our beautiful boy.”