After a five-month battle to save their little boy’s life, Charlie Gard’s parents have ended their fight saying “time has run out”.
A lawyer representing Connie Yates and Chris Gard told Mr Justice Francis, who has been presiding over the case, that the couple’s “worst fears” had been confirmed with the latest medical reports.
It would seem the damage that has been done to the 11-month-old’s muscle and tissue is now irreversible.
Read more: American doctor who’s offered to try and save Charlie will examine him
The couple have been fighting to send Charlie, who suffers from mitochrondrial DNA depletion syndrome and is on life support, to the US for experimental treatment in the hope of saving his life.
Their barrister, Grant Armstrong, told the court: “This case is now about time.
“Sadly time has run out. It is now too late to treat Charlie.”
He added: “The parents wish to treasure their remaining time with Charlie, however short that may be.”
Mr Justice Francis paid tribute to Connie and Chris saying: “No parent could have done more for their child.”
As Connie took to the stand, she said: “This is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do.
“Following the most recent MRI scan we’ve decided to let our son go.”
She went on to say a “lot of time has been wasted” and that they had made the decision after his condition deteriorated to “the point of no return”.
The heartbroken mum wept as she told the High Court: “We only wanted to give him a chance of life.
“We are sorry we could not save you.”
And she also alleged he could have had that chance had he had access to treatment sooner.
Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie is receiving care, have said the hearts of the staff go out to Charlie and his parents and that their decision “commands GOSH’s utmost respect and humble all who work there.”
Earlier this month, a desperate Connie had taken time away from her poorly baby’s bedside to appear on Good Morning Britain and tell viewers there was still hope for her son.
Connie explained that new scientific evidence had come to light that the experimental medication she and Charlie’s dad Chris want to test on their son could be successful.
There are 18 other people in the world with the 11-month-old’s condition and, Connie explained, there has been compelling evidence that treatment is working.
“[There have been] amazing responses very quickly in 18 patients,” she said. “One girl went from just being able to open her eyes to six months later, being able to run around. One was, like Charlie, on a ventilator, one year later they were later running around on a bike.”
Asked by hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway how she and Chris are coping, Connie opened up about their nightmare.
“Absolute living hell,” she said. “You can’t put into words how horrible it is that he’s our flesh and blood and we don’t have a say in his life whatsoever. We are not bad parents, we are devoted to him.”
Charlie and his family had gained support from all over the world as Charlie’s ‘army’ fought for him to stay alive.
The case went global, supporters from countries including America, France, Spain and Italy began reaching out through social media, reportedly posting a message every single second in a bid to save him.
The Pope and US president Donald Trump had also vowed to help the terminally ill baby.
Read more: Donald Trump offers to help Charlie Gard
Earlier this year, Connie and Chris left This Morning viewers in tears after explaining they had just one month to save the life of their baby boy.
Speaking on the ITV daytime show back in March, Connie made a desperate plea for people to help save her son.
She said: “We can’t just let our baby die when there is hope and treatment available that might help him.
“If Charlie receives this treatment and it does work it won’t just be his life that’s saved, it will be many more children in future who are born with this horrible disease.
“Like any loving parents, we will do whatever it takes to save our baby’s life.”