SaveAlfieEvans: Alfie Evans update - how to show your support here and join Alfie's army
In a blow to Alfie's parents, Judge Mr Justice Hayden said the 23-month-old, who has a degenerative neurological condition destroying his brain, could not be sent to Italy for treatment by medics there. Parents Tom Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, have been at the Family Division of the High Court in Manchester this afternoon. The hearing follows the decision by Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool to stop providing “ventilation support” to Alfie shortly after 9pm on Monday. Alfie, who has a rare and undiagnosed neurological condition, has been breathing unaided for nearly 24 hours, defying medical experts who said he would die.
Committed campaigners have been supporting the family’s decision to raise £150,000 to get Alfie a diagnosis and treatment. Using the hashtags #alfiesarmy and #savealfieevans, online supporters have been vocal in their backing of getting the ill youngster support from medics abroad. Protestors also gathered outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital after judges approved earlier plans for turning off Alfie’s life support. How to show your support for Alfie’s Army A Justgiving page started by Alfie’s aunt Sarah Evans has so far amassed more than £112,000 from just under 6,500 supporters in three months. Those who would like to show their support can also help by making a donation here.
Alfie Evans in pictures: Heartbreaking photos of Alfie in hospital Tue, April 24, 2018 Alfie has a degenerative neurological condition which has not been definitively diagnosed after being born in a "semi-vegetative" state. Play slideshow Facebook 1 of 12 Alfie Evans pictured in hospital with his mother
The page explains how Alfie was born “healthy and on time” on May 9, 2016 but how he began missing milestones after two weeks. It explains: “We noticed he wasn't doing things he should e.g lifting his head up, looking at us for more than 20 seconds, grabbing his dummy, eating his hands, making gaga noises,etc. “We also noticed he was doing a jerking movement with his hands, arms and legs and eyes would roll up. He always had his hands clenched into a fist too.” Alfie was later taken into care at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in December 2016 where he would spend the next 12 months, being placed onto life support.
GETTY/JUSTGIVING Save Alfie Evans: Alfie Evans update - how to show your support here
PA Save Alfie Evans: Parents Tom Evans and Kate James