Charlie Gard's parents prepare to say goodbye to their 'absolute warrior' son
Great Ormond Street criticises the US doctor who offered experimental treatment as the Pope calls for prayers for baby Charlie.
Tuesday 25 July 2017 13:02, UK
The parents of terminally ill baby Charlie Gard are preparing to say goodbye to their "absolute warrior".
Chris Gard and Connie Yates for experimental therapy on Monday, saying tests had shown the window of opportunity to help their son had closed.
Following the decision Great Ormond Street Hospital took a swipe at Professor Michio Hirano, who "provided the opinions that have so sustained Charlie's parents, their hopes and thus this protracted litigation with its many consequences".
The hospital said it hoped the US doctor would .
Charlie's parents, from Bedfont in west London, are now focusing on spending the "maximum amount of time they have left" with their son.
Charlie, who has brain damage and suffers from a rare genetic condition which causes progressive muscle weakness, is due to celebrate his first birthday on 4 August.
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His parents, however, said that he will not survive that long.
Bosses at Great Ormond Street have not confirmed when the little boy's life support will be turned off but previously said it would be after "careful planning and discussion".
Pope Francis, who along with US President Donald Trump has taken an interest in the case, called for prayers for 11-month-old Charlie and his parents.
The Vatican said in a statement that Francis "feels especially close" to the Gard family "at this time of immense suffering".
The High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London had all ruled against Charlie's parents in recent months, with judges at the European Court of Human Rights refusing to intervene.
GOSH had argued that the experimental therapy would not help Charlie's condition, and said he should be allowed to die peacefully and with dignity.
After the High Court hearing, GOSH said it would give "careful thought" to how the case was handled and how it can "enrich the care it provides to its most vulnerable patients and families".