Charlie Gard’s parents: ‘Too much time was wasted’ in fight for treatment

Charlie Gard’s parents have paid tribute to their "absolute warrior" after withdrawing their application to take their terminally ill baby to the US for treatment.

In an emotional statement outside High Court, Chris Gard and Connie Yates said their son could have been a "normal, healthy boy" if their attempts to access experimental therapy for Charlie had not been blocked by the courts.

They defended their decision to fight for treatment, and said their case had been based on the expert opinions of world-renowned specialists in mitochondrial disease.

"All we wanted to do was take Charlie from one world-renowned hospital to another," Mr Yates said.

"We are so sorry we couldn’t save you. Sweet dreams, baby."

Charlie’s parents have said they now plan to treasure the short time they have left with their son, adding that he is not expected to live to his first birthday in just under two weeks’ time.

Inside the High Court, a lawyer representing Mr Gard and Ms Yates told Mr Justice Francis that "time had run out" for the 11-month-old.

Barrister Grant Armstrong said the experimental treatment the family had been pursuing no longer offers any chance of improving Charlie’s condition.

He explained that Charlie’s parents had made the decision to end their legal fight after reviewing the latest medical reports and scans from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Outside, supporters reacted with anger and tears – chanting "shame on you judge" and "shame on GOSH".

Charlie suffers from a rare genetic condition which causes progressive muscle weakness. He also has brain damage.

Mr Armstrong told the court that the damage to Charlie’s muscle and tissue had become irreversible, adding: "The parents’ worst fears have been confirmed. It is now too late to treat Charlie."

He urged Mr Justice Francis to consider whether the power of parents should be increased in future cases, as the delay caused by the legal battle had meant the chance of treating Charlie was lost.

The High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London had all ruled against Charlie’s parents in recent months, with judges at the European Court of Human Rights refusing to intervene.

GOSH had argued that the experimental therapy would not have helped improve Charlie’s condition, and said the baby’s life support treatment should end – allowing him to die peacefully and with dignity.

After the High Court hearing ended, GOSH said: "The agony, desolation and bravery of their decision command GOSH’s utmost respect and humble all who work there.

"All of GOSH’s thoughts go with Charlie and his mother and father – the hospital wishes each of them peace in their hearts at the end of this day and each day to come."

The case won international attention, with Ms Yates and Mr Gard receiving support from Pope Francis and US President Donald Trump.

Mr Justice Francis paid tribute to the mother and father in court, telling them no one could comprehend their agony.

(c) Sky News 2017: Charlie Gard’s parents: ‘Too much time was wasted’ in fight for treatment