Baby Charlie Gard has died

Charlie Gard - image Facebook

Baby Charlie Gard has died. A family member announced: “It’s with great sadness that we have to inform you that Charlie passed away earlier this afternoon.

Charlie’s parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, fought a lengthy legal battle with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to allow him to be taken to the US to have experimental treatment for the rare genetic condition he suffered from. On Monday they gave up after Prof Michio Hirano, the American neurologist who had offered to treat him, said Charlie’s condition was too advanced to attempt treatment.

Pope Francis tweeted: ”I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him."

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said in a statement: ”I am deeply saddened by the news that little Charlie Gard has now died.

"I offer my sincere and profound condolences to his parents who have treasured him with such a strong and undiminished love. I assure them of my prayers and those of the Catholic community. We pray that our Heavenly Father, who most certainly welcomes the soul of their beloved son into heaven, will comfort and strengthen them and all their family and friends.

"I also offer my support and sympathies to the staff of Great Ormond Street Hospital who have cared for Charlie during all these long months of his short life. Having visited the Hospital recently, I know the unstinting and outstanding professionalism and resources offered to every young patient and family in this remarkable Hospital. They too will bear keenly the sorrow of the death of Charlie Gard.

May he rest in peace."

We’ve received several messages tonight about where to send cards. If you wish to send a card, please use this address: Charlie Gard c/o Laura Gard, Suite 97, 30 Red Lion Street, Richmond Upon Thames, TW9 1RB, UK