UK toddler Alfie's legal war is over... forever
28 April 2018 3:57 PM GMT
London: Terminally-ill British toddler Alfie Evans died on Saturday after doctors withdrew life support, the child's parents said, following a protracted legal battle and a campaign that drew support from Pope Francis.
"Our baby grew his wings tonight at 2:30 AM (0700 IST). We are heartbroken. Thank you everyone for all your support," the mother, Kate James, wrote on Facebook.
The father, Thomas Evans, said: "My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 0230. Absolutely heartbroken. I LOVE YOU MY GUY".
The parents had fought to take their son, who had a degenerative neurological condition, out of a hospital in Liverpool in northwest England to a clinic in Rome but lost a final court appeal on Wednesday. Doctors had already removed life support on Monday after the parents lost a previous appeal to keep him alive despite doctors' recommendations.
Pope Francis intervened several times in a case that attracted worldwide attention, particularly in Italy and Poland.
Earlier this week the pontiff wrote on Twitter that he hoped the parents' "desire to seek new forms of treatment may be granted". Thomas Evans had met the pope in the Vatican and asked him to "save our son".
Italy had also granted citizenship to the toddler in the hope of facilitating his transfer to the Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) paediatric hospital in Rome. The father on Thursday had asked supporters, who have staged a series of vigils outside the hospital where the baby was being treated, to go home.
He said he was grateful for all the support but asked people "to return back to your everyday lives and allow myself, Kate and Alder Hey to form a relationship, build a bridge and walk across it".
"We also wish to thank Alder Hey staff at every level for their dignity and professionalism during what must be an incredibly difficult time for them too," he added.
Next Story
