Connie Yates and Chris Gard, the parents of Charlie Gard, have said that they will remain “haunted by the ‘what ifs’” following their decision to end the legal fight for experimental treatment.
The couple made an emotional appearance outside court today, following the news that they were ending their months-long and bitterly fought court case.
A tearful Chris read out a pre-prepared statement, supported by Connie. He began by thanking all those who had helped them and their 11-month-old during this traumatic time.
“This is one of the hardest things we will ever have to say, and we are about to do the hardest thing that we will ever have to do – which is to let our beautiful little Charlie go,” he said.
“Put simply, this is about a sweet, gorgeous, innocent little boy who was born with a rare disease, who had a real, genuine chance at life; and a family who love him so very dearly – and that’s why we fought so hard for him.”
pic.twitter.com/IsXGsYntn2 "We are now going to spend our last #PreciousMoments with our son" - #father of terminally-ill #CharlieGard
— Breaking News (@newnewspage) July 24, 2017
Charlie was born with an extremely rare mitochondrial disease. While medics at Great Ormond Street Hospital applied to the courts to have his life support withdrawn, Connie and Chris fought for the chance to bring their son to the States for experimental treatment.
Last week, a specialist was flown into London from the US to assess Charlie’s condition. Chris revealed that, following an MRI scan of Charlie’s muscles, it was determined that the damage was irreversible.
Chris grew particularly emotional as he revealed that, while US and Italian teams still wanted to treat Charlie, time had sadly run out for him.
“We all have to live with the ‘what ifs’ which will haunt us for the rest of our lives,” he added.
“Despite the way that our beautiful son has been spoken about sometimes, as if he is not worthy of a chance at life; our son is an absolute warrior, and we could not be prouder of him, and we will miss him terribly.
“His body, heart and soul may soon be gone, but his spirit will live on for eternity; and he will make a difference to people’s lives for years to come – we will make sure of that.”
With tears rolling down his face, Chris finished by asking for privacy, and lamenting the fact that Charlie will now not make it to his first birthday.
“We are now going to spend our last precious moments with our son, Charlie…To him, we say: Mummy and Daddy love you so much.”
Our hearts are broken for Connie, Chris and their family.
