'HEAVY HEARTS'
THE parents of Charlie Gard have backed calls from Alfie Evans’ mother and father for a change to the law to give families more power over hospital care.
The plight of Charlie touched the world last year after dad Chris Gard and mum Connie Yates fought to take the seriously ill tot to America for experimental treatment against the wishes of doctors at Great Ormond Street.
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Alfie’s mum and dad Tom Evans and Kate James have had a similar battle with authorities - only signalling an end to their campaign this week.
And today Connie Gard hailed their efforts, saying: “With heavy hearts we have watched as Alfie’s case has unfolded.
“For those who have not been in a situation like this, it is impossible to understand the pain Tom and Kate are going through.
“When we were fighting for our son, Charlie Gard, 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.
Latest on the Alfie Evans case:
- Alfie Evans' parents lose Appeal Court bid to overturn decision stopping the tot being taken to Italy for treatment
- Dad Tom Evans appears to signal end to public campaign as he calls on supporters to "return back to your everyday lives"
- Mum Kate James claims Alfie is "struggling and needs immediate intervention"
- Alder Hey's staff and docs subjected to a "barrage" of abuse, hospital bosses say
- The Pope put a military air ambulance on standby in an attempt to have the 23-month-old boy be flown to the Vatican
- Alfie, diagnosed with a brain condition, had his life support removed at 9.17pm on Monday and has been since been put on oxygen
- Dad Tom Evans tried to privately prosecute three doctors for conspiracy to murder his son, court is told
- Judge says there is "virtually nothing left" of Alfie's brain
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The full story of Alfie Evans and his parents' heartbreaking legal battle with Alder Hey Hospital
"Tragically, this has proven to be true.”
She continued: “Since Charlie’s passing in July last year, we have been working with paediatric consultants, medical ethicists, senior lawyers, UK politicians and other parents who have suffered through similar situations as us, to try and propose a law that will prevent parents experiencing painful and prolonged conflicts with medical professionals.
“This involves addressing problems around the “best interests” test as well as creating a platform for transparency and openness so that cases like these can be dealt with before they ever reach the courts.
“We were calling this ‘Charlie’s Law’ whilst also working on the foundation set up in his memory:
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“Once cases are public it is difficult for people to be fully aware of the complexities and this often leads to ill informed judgements on both sides and creates unnecessary conflicts.
“We have something that is better for everybody - hospitals, healthcare professionals, families with sick children, the NHS, and the reputation of our own government.
“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.”
Tragic Charlie died aged 11 months old last July
Connie’s efforts mirror those currently under way for Alfie.
Candlelit vigil is held in the Vatican for terminally ill toddler Alfie Evans
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Launched by Westminster think tank Parliament Street, says MPs should give parents more rights over their ill children's hospital treatment.
Former Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe, leading the campaign, said that "a dangerous trend" has emerged of parents being deprived of the right to make healthcare decisions.
It comes as supporters of Alfie held a candle-lit vigil at the Vatican last night while his dad called for hospital demonstrations to stop — so his final days can be "dignified".
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