Charlie suffered a rare genetic condition called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS) and he spent a majority of his short life in hospital. Charlie's brain and muscles later became affected by the illness and doctors recommended that Charlie's life support be withdrawn. His parents objected and this led to a lengthy and emotional legal battle that saw the US, the Vatican and, as a matter of fact, the entire world get involved.
Charlies parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, wanted to take their beloved son to the US for treatment but they were denied by judges. Lawyers for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) have been arguing in court to end Charlie's life. The UK courts ruled that it would not be in Charlie's "best interest" to receive any continued or new treatments.
Charlie's parents fought valiantly for their son for 5 months. They made efforts to take him to the US for nucleoside bypass therapy, but specialists at GOSH said the treatment was experimental and that Charlie had irreversible brain damage.The US granted the child permanent US residency and offered free treatment. The Pope's hospital in Rome also offered to treat him for free. Donald Trump even got involved, yet the UK courts refused to let him leave the country. Charlie's doctors said the therapy in the US wouldn’t help. They gave Charlie's family a few extra days to say goodbye properly to their son.
Eventually, after 5 months of legal battle, Charlie's parents announced on Monday that they have given up the fight to take their son to the US for further treatment and will allow him to go in peace. They dropped the battle after Prof Michio Hirano, the American neurologist who had offered to treat him, said it was too late for it to work
"We will let our son go and be with the angels," the distraught parents said in tears.
Charlies parents requested for a chance to have their son die at home instead of in hospital but courts denied their final request and he was taken from Great Ormond Street to a hospice. His life support was withdrawn today under a plan approved by a High Court judge.
In a statement issued this evening Charlie's mother, Connie, said: "Our beautiful little boy has gone, we are so proud of you Charlie."
Prime Minister Theresa May said: "I am deeply saddened by the death of Charlie Gard. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie's parents Chris and Connie at this difficult time."
Pope Francis tweeted: "I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him."
A spokesman for Great Ormond Street Hospital said: "'Everyone at Great Ormond Street Hospital sends their heartfelt condolences to Charlie's parents and loved-ones at this very sad time."
US Vice-President Mike Pence tweeted: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time."
Charlie's condition saw hundreds of supporters called Charlie's Army lending their voices and money to see that he was given treatment. £1.35 million was raised on an online fund-raising site and now the parents plan to give the money to charity.
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