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Charlie Gard's parents speak out in solidarity with Alfie Evans case

Connie Yates and Chris Gard, whose son Charlie died in July 2017, say they have watched Alfie's case with a "heavy heart".

Connie Yates and Chris Gard with their son Charlie Gard
Image: Connie Yates and Chris Gard with their son, Charlie, who died in 2017
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The mother and father of Charlie Gard have spoken out in solidarity with the parents of terminally ill toddler Alfie Evans, saying it is "impossible" for others to "understand their pain".

Connie Yates and Chris Gard, whose son Charlie died in July last year after he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease, say they have watched Alfie's case unfold with a "heavy heart".

Charlie died after his life support was switched off following a rejected legal bid to transfer him from the UK to the US for experimental treatment.

UK courts had agreed with Charlie's doctors that keeping him on life support was not in his best interests.

:: Timeline: The fight to keep Alfie Evans alive
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Charlie has a rare genetic condition
Image: Charlie had a rare genetic condition
Chris Gard and Connie Yates, the parents of terminally ill baby Charlie Gard, arrive at The Royal Courts of Justice on July 24, 2017 in London, England
Image: Connie and Chris are pushing for new legislation

Ms Yates says it had been difficult to see Alfie's family going through the same thing.

"With heavy hearts we have watched as Alfie's case has unfolded," she said. "For those who have not been in a situation like this, it is impossible to understand the pain Tom and Kate are going through.

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"When we were fighting for our son, Charlie, to be given a chance to try a treatment that could have improved his quality of life, we realised that cases like these would keep happening until the law was changed.

"Tragically, this has proven to be true."

Alfie Evans cuddling his mother Kate James at Alder Hey Hospital
Image: Alfie Evans is currently at Alder Hey Hospital

Her comments came after judges rejected appeals made by Alfie's parents to allow him to be taken to Italy for treatment.

Alfie's parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, made applications to the Court of Appeal after a High Court judge ruled they could take their son home from the hospital, but not abroad.

However, a judge at the appeal hearing said the 23-month-old was "in the middle of a palliative care plan" and could not be taken to Italy.

Tom Evans and Kate James leave the High Court
Image: Tom Evans and Kate James wanted to take Alfie to Italy for treatment

Doctors say the toddler has a rare degenerative neurological condition and is considered to be in a semi-vegetative state.

His parents have since said they will work with doctors to ensure their son has "the dignity and comfort he needs" after his life support ended earlier this week.

Charlie's parents are now pushing for new legislation - called Charlie's Law - to help "prevent parents experiencing painful and prolonged conflicts with medical professionals".

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'Alfie's been breathing for nine hours now'

They hope it could lead to similar cases being dealt with before reaching the courts.

"We have something that is better for everybody - hospitals, healthcare professionals, families with sick children, the NHS, and the reputation of our own Government," said Ms Yates.

"We would ask those pushing for law change to take account of the careful work already done, and join us as we continue to push for a solution that is best for all involved."