Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

An image uploaded to Facebook this morning by Alfie Evans' mother Kate James. Facebook/AlfiesArmy

British judge rules that terminally ill toddler Alfie Evans can't be taken to Italy for treatment

The terminally ill 23-month-old is in a “semi-vegetative state” as a result of a degenerative neurological condition.

Updated at 10.10pm

A BRITISH JUDGE has said the parents of a terminally ill toddler cannot take him to Italy for treatment, a course of action UK courts have said would be futile and wrong.

Justice Anthony Hayden rejected what he said was a final legal appeal by the parents of 23-month-old Alfie Evans, who has a degenerative neurological condition.

The judge said the ruling “represents the final chapter in the life of this extraordinary little boy”.

The months-long legal battle between Alfie’s parents and his doctors has drawn interventions from Pope Francis and Italian authorities, who have supported the family’s desire to have their son cared for at the Vatican’s hospital.

Doctors say Alfie is in a “semi-vegetative state” as a result of a degenerative brain condition that medics have been unable to identify precisely. Doctors treating him at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool say he has little brain function and further treatment is futile.

But his parents have refused to accept the decision and fought to prevent Alfie’s life support being switched off. Evans, aged 21, and Alfie’s mother Kate James, aged 20, want to take Alfie to the Vatican’s Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital.

Life support

Lawyers for Alfie’s parents had secured today’s hearing a day after the toddler’s life support was withdrawn after a series of court rulings blocked further medical treatment.

Alfie’s father Tom Evans said earlier today that Alfie survived for six hours with no assistance and that doctors had subsequently resumed providing oxygen and hydration.

In court, the family’s lawyer, Paul Diamond, read a statement from Tom Evans saying his son was doing “significantly better” than previously believed. Doctors say it is hard to estimate how long Alfie will live without life support, but that there is no chance his condition will improve.

At today’s emergency court hearing in Manchester, the judge asked whether there might be “other options” that involved Alfie’s parents taking their son home.

Emotions have run high over the case, which has seen Alfie’s parents supported by a Christian charity and a band of supporters known as “Alfie’s Army” protesting regularly outside the hospital. They have blocked roads and yesterday tried to storm a door to the hospital before being pushed back by police.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis has met Alfie’s father and made appeals for the boy’s parents’ wishes to be heeded, saying only God can decide who dies.

The head of the Bambino Gesu Hospital said the Italian defence ministry had a plane ready to transport Alfie to Italy if he were allowed. In an interview with Italian Radio 24, Mariella Enoc, who travelled to Liverpool to personally try to intervene on behalf of the parents, said she spoke to the Italian ambassador in London who said the plane could leave with him in a matter of minutes.

Yesterday, the Italian foreign ministry announced it had granted Alfie Italian citizenship to facilitate his arrival and transport.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
149 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ben Dawkins
    Favourite Ben Dawkins
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:58 AM

    Lets hope it’s a peaeful end for him.
    It’s a real shame that some people believed it to be ok to try and storm and protest outside a childrens hospital yesterday, as sad as these cases are they’re best left in the hands of the professionals.

    1035
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Costanza
    Favourite George Costanza
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:01 AM

    @Ben Dawkins: If Ashya King was left in the hands of the professionals in the UK instead of being brought to Switzerland he would be dead.

    597
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ben Dawkins
    Favourite Ben Dawkins
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:05 AM

    @George Costanza: Doctors aren’t always correct but that doesn’t mean their opinions should be ignored.

    369
    See 38 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:12 AM

    @Ben Dawkins: Which professionals – those in Vatican’s Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital who want to try a new treatment to save the life of a child or those at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital who wants to let the child pass away?

    191
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Madden
    Favourite Brian Madden
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:15 AM

    @Ben Dawkins: these doctors can’t identify what is wrong with him so they want to give up and just let him die when other more competent doctors in Italy are still willing to try.

    255
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:30 AM

    @Steven Fitzpatrick: Steven, can you back any of that up with actual facts? Links to reports of complaints about making money off the backs of venerable people, stats on their low success rate, reports on their unrated by Italian physicians?

    One point, you mentioned they have a low success rate but as you said, they do have some success, if this was my child I would take that risk.

    110
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cindy Crawford
    Favourite Cindy Crawford
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:35 AM

    @B9xiRspG: What kind of life is the child going to have? Is it not better to let him pass away peacefully?

    133
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steven Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Steven Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:39 AM

    @B9xiRspG: snake oil salesmen always find one, Jim. I’ll not waste my time posting all the links, google vatican bambino, check foxnews, cbsnews, dentronrc.com or the thousand others how reported this place.

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A Piece of Chalk
    Favourite A Piece of Chalk
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:41 AM

    @B9xiRspG: I don’t think sprinkling Holy Water and chanting is medical treatment.

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alexandra Pop
    Favourite Alexandra Pop
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:19 PM

    @B9xiRspG:
    It’s only about two parents right to say when it’s an end for the hope !!!
    Not a judge.. They got help from Italy..and suddenly it’s a matter of citizenship??! Shame on them !!
    Doctors can be wrong, we all ask for second opinion many times!
    Why not them???

    112
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:49 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: they have had many many opinions, perhaps you should review the case carefully. This is not a matter of second opinions, but if you believe a court would rely on one and one only then off you go.

    Alfie’s parents are blinded by their fundamentalist christian views and are chasing false hopes in a Vatican hospital.

    112
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O Keeffe
    Favourite Dave O Keeffe
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:57 PM

    Always, always give more sway to the opinion of a doctor that has actually met the patient, or in this case has been caring for him for months vs the opinion of a doctor working in theory

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute daveyt
    Favourite daveyt
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:22 PM

    @Greg Mumble: how so? They have Alfie’s best interest at heart not the parents, the hospital in Italy has only said it can prolong his life not cure the disease and in doing so put him under the stress of transportation (which he may not survive) and numerous unnecessary procedures. If it was a shot to nothing and there was a chance of curing him I’d say go for it but that is not the case and he should be allowed pass peacefully and comfortable surrounded by family and friends

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niallers
    Favourite Niallers
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:37 PM
    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute daveyt
    Favourite daveyt
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:02 PM

    @Niallers: different child, different treatment, in Alfie’s there’s no hint of a treatment being offered only a more invasive palliation that may or may not prolong life but not improve it

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Football in the Groin
    Favourite Football in the Groin
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:27 PM

    @daveyt: and you think this is a bad thing? What the hell is wrong with some people? If this was my little boy I would fight until my heart gave out to prolong his life, no matter how small that glimmer of hope. Shame on everybody above who would throw in the towel so easily.

    102
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Walt Jabsco
    Favourite Walt Jabsco
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:38 PM

    @George Costanza:
    Ashya King was still being treated in the UK – as Jehovah’s Witnesses his parents just disagreed with the type of treatment he was being given. There’s every chance he would still be alive today if he’d continued his treatment in the UK.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:39 PM

    @George Costanza: Ashya was brought to and treated in Prague, Czech Republic

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:40 PM

    @Walt Jabsco: He would not walk and talk, that’s for sure. There is a no chance he would live the life he has now.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:44 PM

    @Football in the Groin: even if it meant he’d suffer for longer instead of being comfortable? Would the extra couple of hours be worth it to you?

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute daveyt
    Favourite daveyt
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 3:18 PM

    @Football in the Groin: as a father myself I understand your sentiment but in the end of the day it’s what’s best for Alfie not his parents, we’ve reached a point in medical science that in a lot of cases life can be prolonged indefinitely and with such raises very complex ethical situations, if there was the slightest chance that the interventions in Italy would improve Alfie’s chances I would totally agree with the parents but the Italian doctors aren’t even saying that and that their interventions will probably kill him if the transportation won’t have done already, so instead of a dignified death surrounded by loved ones he’d likely die at 30,000 ft or in the sterile surroundings of an operating theatre, comparing this to the king case is like saying jaws 1 and 2 were the same shark

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:04 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: Money, to keep people in the vegetative state is very expensive and one could say why not to use these resources on folks we can actually improve their conditions? I am just saying, it is not so simple and not just about the parents.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JDel
    Favourite JDel
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:30 PM

    @George Costanza: WRONG. at least look up the actual facts before commenting.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jeremy DeChad
    Favourite Jeremy DeChad
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 7:30 PM

    @Paul Fahey: yeah I am sure that if your life was in the balance you would take any offer of help available. Or maybe not.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Leitrim
    Favourite Chris Leitrim
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:31 PM
    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Masterson
    Favourite Andy Masterson
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:40 PM

    @George Costanza: em, why would he be dead? He was taken due to a disagreement over treatment. He was to receive treatment in England after the surgery he had. The parents wanted different treatment. A review of the case said that the parents actually reduced his survival chances by 30% by denying him the chemo he would have had at home

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Masterson
    Favourite Andy Masterson
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:43 PM

    @Jindrich Marz: you obviously have read nothing about the case

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute RichieC
    Favourite RichieC
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:53 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: Doctors can be wrong, and in this case, a large part of the medical community believe the Italian doctor is wrong.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:25 PM

    @Andy Masterson: What case are you referring to? If Aysha King, you are wrong, and you will never know more than me, unless you are a doctor at a Proton Therapy Centre. If Alfie, you are correct. However, I was only replying to a comment saying that it is a matter for the parents to decide.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Davoren
    Favourite Anthony Davoren
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:42 PM

    @Steven Fitzpatrick: the second u said check fox news as a source of facts u lost all credibility I’m afraid

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:46 PM

    @Andy Masterson: And, if we are talking about Aysha; chemo or proton? Surely, in the case when possible I would go for proton. The fact that UK and Ireland have atrocious medical systems from the 19th century doesn’t make it better compare to the systems around most of the EU. The fact the one doesn’t have a certain technology, does not mean the technology does not exist. Chemo has a huge impact on whole organism, Proton Therapy does not. It impacts specific cells or tissues.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Walt Jabsco
    Favourite Walt Jabsco
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:55 PM

    @Chris Leitrim:
    I know that. My comment was in response to George Costanza’s claim that he would be dead today if “left in the hands of the professionals”.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin McNulty
    Favourite Justin McNulty
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 6:25 AM

    @Football in the Groin: you’d prolong a childs suffering to make yourself feel better. Really?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:20 AM

    @Cindy Crawford: if you were the child’s parent then it be you right to decide that, no one else.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:22 AM

    @A Piece of Chalk: where did I said anything about holy water?

    A second hospital is willing to try, the final decision should be with the parents

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:26 AM

    @Paul Fahey: Paul, if it was your child wouldn’t you chase any or all hopes? I presume you wouldn’t just give up on your child like that.

    Also are we comfortable allowing doctors so much power over us? Where did that stop?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Byrne
    Favourite Martin Byrne
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:28 AM

    @Brian Madden: that’s a LOT of doctors you’ve just implied are incompetent.

    This is a sad case made all the worse by the way the parents and the media are handling it.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:35 AM

    @Brian Madden: They know what’s wrong with him. He has neurodegenerate brain disease. His brain is predominantly water.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CarlAnne Greene
    Favourite CarlAnne Greene
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 10:44 AM

    Don’t understand if there is a medical team willing to fly him to Italy, why are drs in Liverpool trying to stop him….don’t get why they can’t just give it a go

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sighle A. Ni Chuana
    Favourite Sighle A. Ni Chuana
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 11:08 AM

    @A Piece of Chalk: There is a hospital in Rome; it isn’t just about religion. You should get out a bit more!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sighle A. Ni Chuana
    Favourite Sighle A. Ni Chuana
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 11:10 AM

    @Dave O Keeffe: The Doctors don’t know what is wrong and they were astonished he continued breathing after oxygen was removed. They are not that expert now, are they? I actually think the judge is the one who is wrong!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Madden
    Favourite Brian Madden
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:09 AM

    If Italian doctors are willing to keep fighting for this childs life and his parents wish to keep fighting then the British doctors and court system should not be allowed to kill poor Alfie.

    717
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kal Ipers
    Favourite Kal Ipers
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:28 AM

    @Brian Madden: No matter what they are not killing him his disease is. They always argued that their is no point in keeping him alive which is what they were doing. No person is killing him

    318
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Madden
    Favourite Brian Madden
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:39 AM

    @Steven Fitzpatrick: so what? It is not for you or I or the British state to decide where parents seek medical help for their sick children.

    244
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steven Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Steven Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:43 AM

    @Brian Madden: true enough, Brian. Should they also be held accountable if they don’t save him, like public hospitals are accountable to?

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alexandra Pop
    Favourite Alexandra Pop
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:22 PM

    @Steven Fitzpatrick: no because they taken him as the last hope !
    Parents agree, what’s the harm???.it’s absolutely disgraceful .

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steven Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Steven Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:38 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: for a nice costly fee also.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kal Ipers
    Favourite Kal Ipers
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:09 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: The harm is prolonging the child’s suffering

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JDel
    Favourite JDel
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:32 PM

    @Brian Madden: WRONG. the state has a duty of care not to let harm come to the child. allowing him to go to Italy increases the likelihood of harm.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Missyb211
    Favourite Missyb211
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:13 PM

    @Kal Ipers: no the hospital would be killing him. They got the ok to give him medication that would.ensure his death after they took him off the ventilator! The dad had a meeting with them after the child continued to keep breathing and then the hospital agreed to give him oxygen and water to at least sustain him. His illness has not killed him so far. If it does, so be it.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute marty johnbann
    Favourite marty johnbann
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:10 AM

    My heart goes to you wee man

    255
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Skillington
    Favourite Tony Skillington
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:22 PM

    @marty johnbann: keep fighting little guy…you’ll beat it yet.

    114
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gregory
    Favourite gregory
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:37 PM

    @marty johnbann: Why on heaven’s earth would beurocrats block any chance offered to save him? Incomprehensible. No words for this.

    92
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal Kelly
    Favourite Fergal Kelly
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:37 PM

    @Tony Skillington: No mate, he really really won’t. The poor child has no chance of survival.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Gunbay
    Favourite Marie Gunbay
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:14 AM

    Gorgeous little fella and much loved I am sure. His parents must be very proud of their brave little boy.

    213
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gregory
    Favourite gregory
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:39 PM

    @Marie Gunbay: Fair play to the Italians who went out on a limb to save him only to be blocked by beurocrats in the Uk. This makes no sense at all. My heart goes out to his parents.

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute A Piece of Chalk
    Favourite A Piece of Chalk
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:47 PM

    A lot of seriously thick people commenting on this article with horseshit like ‘If it were my little kid I’d blah blah blah’. If you ignore medical and legal experts who are trying to defend this child’s best interests you shouldn’t be allowed near a kid.

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dotty Dunleary
    Favourite Dotty Dunleary
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:19 AM

    Heartbreaking situation for the parents and family to be going through, they should be allowed to take the child to Italy and try everything possible to keep him alive, otherwise how could they live with themselves for the rest of there lives knowing that they could have done more for there Son?

    My only concern would be for the quality of life the child would have if he lives another 5, 10 or 20 + years? Would he live in a vegetative state? Unable to do anything himself without medical assistance?

    193
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carol Oates
    Favourite Carol Oates
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:30 AM

    @Dotty Dunleary: I absolutely agree with everything you’ve said there. Life at any cost and level wouldn’t be enough for me to put my child through so much. However, I do feel his parents will never find any peace if they don’t try everything before they have to face letting him go.

    164
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dotty Dunleary
    Favourite Dotty Dunleary
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:36 AM

    @Carol Oates: I know all of us would try everything humanly possible to keep a son or daughter alive, and the way they are being treated is just making life unbearably hard for them, let them try everything if it means they can be at peace with themselves and move forward with there young lives…

    109
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patricia Ellis Dunne
    Favourite Patricia Ellis Dunne
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:17 PM

    @Carol Oates: what if their actions result in him being kept alive but suffering constantly? Will they be at pea e then?

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 3:26 PM

    @Patricia Ellis Dunne: Kind of like those pregnant women who are told the foetus has a FFA or will be suffering constantly due to some syndrome they have?

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carol Oates
    Favourite Carol Oates
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:31 PM

    @Patricia Ellis Dunne: You might want to re-read the above comments. Slower this time. And concentrate on the parts weighing up life at any cost and quality of life. You might also want to rethink the banner on your picture if you are concerned about causing needless suffering.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patricia Ellis Dunne
    Favourite Patricia Ellis Dunne
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:32 PM

    @Ciara Ni Mhurchu: A bit, yeah. Abortion isnt all about that though, plus it’s for another thread

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patricia Ellis Dunne
    Favourite Patricia Ellis Dunne
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:38 PM

    @Carol Oates: Carol Oates you say they should try anything before letting him go, i said thgat might result in him suffering and might not bring peace. What bit of your comment do i need to reread? Not discussing the 8th here. Not appropriate

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carol Oates
    Favourite Carol Oates
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 6:01 PM

    @Patricia Ellis Dunne: Life at any cost means not doing anything that allows the child to suffer needlessly. That means if he is not in pain, any potential treatment should be followed up by his parents, but it must be weighted against the quality of life that can be achieved in the end before proceeding. And again, he must not be allowed to suffer needlessly. If there is no chance of cure, no quality of life, and it is just existence for the sake of existence, let the child die with dignity. If you can’t comprehend all that, there is nothing I can do about it.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:12 PM

    @Patricia Ellis Dunne: It is for many women though.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @mdmak33
    Favourite @mdmak33
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:24 AM

    My god,the child wants to live.why are doctors not fighting for him,what are we becoming.

    202
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bellew
    Favourite Johnny Bellew
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:30 AM

    @@mdmak33: Little Alfie has defied all conventional wisdom so far. He is bravely fighting while the doctors flap.

    146
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steven Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Steven Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:34 AM

    @@mdmak33: yes, as normal, let’s blame the doctors who haven’t put him in this situation: ungrateful people in this world, science should just leave ignorant as ignorant.

    133
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:34 AM

    @Johnny Bellew: how has he defied all conventional wisdom? He has been on a life support machine whilst the case has been contested in the courts.

    84
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bellew
    Favourite Johnny Bellew
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:51 AM

    @Paul Fahey: He survived for 9 hours without assistance. That defied all conventional wisdom, Paul.

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cindy Crawford
    Favourite Cindy Crawford
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:01 PM

    @Johnny Bellew: It takes time for vital organs to shut down in a situation like this. The boy’s father has said he will probably need medical assistance in a couple of hours.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bellew
    Favourite Johnny Bellew
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:10 PM

    @Cindy Crawford: Perhaps you’re correct but his father said that the doctors were gobsmacked at his survival without life support.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cindy Crawford
    Favourite Cindy Crawford
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:27 PM

    @Johnny Bellew: Is the father willing to see how long the doctors will be gobsmacked for without his son being put back on life support? I don’t mean to make light of this situation but personally speaking I think quality of life is more important than quantity of life.

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:26 PM

    @Johnny Bellew: No it did not defy any medical expectation at all. You have watched too much TV, because it is not like turning a switch off. The medical experts have always said death would be somewhat prolonged, but it will end without intervention. Funny how you ignore so.much detail in all subjects.

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Costello Brendan
    Favourite Costello Brendan
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 9:21 PM

    @Johnny Bellew: it actually didn’t. Doctors predicted that he might not die if they removed life support but stated that even if he continued breathing by himself he would not be able to sustain life.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carol Oates
    Favourite Carol Oates
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:26 AM

    So the pope wants doctors to artificially sustain his life because only God can decide if he dies. Sounds plausible.

    181
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bellew
    Favourite Johnny Bellew
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:31 AM

    @Carol Oates: It seems to me that he wants to live.

    90
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:35 AM

    @Johnny Bellew: how does it seem to you? Have you asked him? It seems God does not want him to live though, because without scientific medical intervention he will die. Your God does have a thing for killing children, but you are ok with that.

    120
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carol Oates
    Favourite Carol Oates
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:46 AM

    @Johnny Bellew: It seems to me that neither you are I can say if he wants to live. He may live but he may not. Turning off life support is not like it is in the movies. It’s not a case of a few beeps and the person is peacefully gone. It can be a long and difficult process over several days. Just because he hasn’t passed, doesn’t mean he will live. And if he does live, what sort of life will it be? Will it be a life at all, or just an existance for the sake of his family? As difficult as it is to face reality, reality doesn’t disappear with prayers from the pope.

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bellew
    Favourite Johnny Bellew
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:52 AM

    @Paul Fahey: You seem particularly angry today. We all have those days I suppose.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Fahey
    Favourite Paul Fahey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:03 PM

    @Johnny Bellew: not at all darling Johnny, any chance you could answer the question, particularly the names of the non religious schools in Ireland you said raped and murdered children.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauline Mackey
    Favourite Pauline Mackey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:22 PM

    @Carol Oates: I thought the same Carol. God already had decided that he will die. He’s only alive because of medical intervention.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus Ryan
    Favourite Seamus Ryan
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:33 PM

    @Pauline Mackey: what sort of a god would decide that a baby who has not had the chance to experience any part of life be taken in this way? Alfie has had no chance to experience anything but yet people say it’s all Gods plan.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauline Mackey
    Favourite Pauline Mackey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 3:58 PM

    @Seamus Ryan: I would like to know the answer to that question too Seamus.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Garland
    Favourite David Garland
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:48 AM

    Lots of people on Facebook and twitter with repeal profile pictures are are up in arms about what the doctors are saying and are using #alfiesarmy and rightly so are fighting for this poor child.. However if Alfie was only in his Mums womb they would think it was OK to take the doctors advice and abort him as he’s only a ‘Foetus’ and has no rights.. Hypocrisy at the highest order..

    170
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alexandra Pop
    Favourite Alexandra Pop
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:26 PM

    @David Garland: and suddenly you think they don’t have a point!!!??
    They doo…he’s alive , he was born alive !!!.
    Whole different story!!!!
    A human being that lived for 2 years and an unborn, cant possible be equal no !?!

    104
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Garland
    Favourite David Garland
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:34 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: The doctors advice now is to let him die peacefully as he won’t survive. If he was in the womb and doctors gave same advice that he won’t survive and to abort that would be OK would it?

    44
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline Maher
    Favourite Caroline Maher
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:10 PM

    @David Garland: thats bullshit. Pro choice would want the woman to be able to choose.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carol Oates
    Favourite Carol Oates
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:20 PM

    @David Garland: Pro choice is about choice. The parents choice in this instance is to sustain their sick child’s life artificially as long as possible and pro choice supports them. Likewise if they chose to not artificially sustain his life pro choice would support that too. Choice means all choices get support. There is no hypocrisy is being pro choice and supporting this family whatever happens to them. This is not about the 8th. It’s about compassion for this particular young family at this nightmarish time.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Madden
    Favourite Brian Madden
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:07 AM

    Well done Alfie keep fighting. The British state is an authoritarian disgrace.

    191
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steven Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Steven Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:32 AM

    @Brian Madden: hear, hear!

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John R
    Favourite John R
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:24 PM

    @Brian Madden: Utter rubbish Brian. The doctors are trying to do the best for the child who is dying.

    100
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jay Coleman
    Favourite Jay Coleman
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:07 PM

    All the hospital in Italy is offering is palliative care. For the dumbasses who apparently reside here also it simply means they’ll continue to keep him alive by giving him oxygen and food and no more. The nonsense being spewed by people is incredible to say the least. The child should be allowed die with dignity rather than continue to drag his life on.

    154
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alexandra Pop
    Favourite Alexandra Pop
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:16 PM

    @Jay Coleman:
    Parents choice to say when it’s an end for the hope…not a judge !!
    They get help from Italy..let them do this too !.
    What’s the harm in it?!?
    We know doctors can be so wrong too …
    Why it’s this taken as bad ??
    We all ask for second opinion many times..

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steven Fitzpatrick
    Favourite Steven Fitzpatrick
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:52 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: at what point does it turn into human cruelty, when all science points to is that this human is in pain, and unable to tell people so.

    51
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jay Coleman
    Favourite Jay Coleman
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:57 PM

    @Alexandra Pop: the child has been brain dead in over 80% of his brain for the past year. The hospital is Italy is not offering a new treatment, they simply will keep him alive. Would you be happy if your parents were told that you’re completely brain dead for the past year and they refused and instead kept you in a vegative state for however long they wanted to instead of letting you go and dying with dignity? This is what his parents want. It’s already God’s will that this child die. It’s science that’s technically keeping his body alive so all those religious nut cases are incredibly hypocritical.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John R
    Favourite John R
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:32 PM

    @Jay Coleman: Prolonging life at all costs is cruelty just like resuscitating someone who has died, and who will be left in permanent pain and suffering, is wrong. Just because medical science can prolong life does not mean it should. The quality of our lives matters. We are all going to die and there are times when we have to accept that a person has moved on. Prolonging a miserable existence simply because it is technically or medically possible is unethical. There is an entire ethical debate around the issue of resuscitation. These issues are not black and white. This poor baby is essentially dead and he life of the child has been artificially prolonged by modern medicine. There is going to be no miracle here.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute LIAM BYRNE
    Favourite LIAM BYRNE
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 1:02 PM

    God love him he looks so normal & peaceful in his mother’s arms my prayers are with you little soldier fight on

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chipstix
    Favourite Chipstix
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:48 AM

    Poor little infant, bless him.

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kath Noonan
    Favourite Kath Noonan
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:18 PM

    To me it seems the Uk docs are afraid they’ll be proven wrong if the Italians can help Alfie. They just won’t back down now. Why else would anyone refuse the family this chance at happiness?

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sinead Merrigan
    Favourite Sinead Merrigan
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:51 AM

    This is a very sad case but unfortunalely no treatment is going to reverse brain damage or the root of the problem.

    Looking at the video posted, the child is making no eye contact at all, is perpetually hypoxic and barely holding minimal sats at best even with external oxygen support and most likely would not survive any efforts to tranport long distances.

    The time is now to get palliative care for the child and berevement care for the parents. They have this opportunity now to say goodbye and the support needs to be there as time is most certainly limited.

    The treatment that has been given by Alder Hay hospital has been phenominal and judgements and actions made the right one’s. At the end of the day there are no winners in this at all

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:46 AM

    Without knowing the details of this case, If he’s not reliant on life support, why don’t they take him home?
    The doctors took him off it so clearly he doesn’t need it.
    If he can survive without it then what’s the problem?

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:40 PM

    @Ciara Ni Mhurchu: the problem is that you don’t know the details of the case….

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 3:15 PM

    @EvieXVI: Yet he’s not on life support why can’t he go home?

    8
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 5:12 PM

    @Ciara Ni Mhurchu: because he’s dying – his parents know this, and if he’s taken home, he will die sooner.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:14 PM

    @EvieXVI: As opposed to dying in hospital completely unresponsive and unconscious? I know where I’d prefer my child to be.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 9:51 PM

    @Ciara Ni Mhurchu: his parents didn’t want to take him home to die – do keep up!!!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:14 PM

    @EvieXVI: And they don’t want to leave him to die in hospital either!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:52 AM

    @Ciara Ni Mhurchu: so what’s your problem? Failing to troll properly?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:39 AM

    @EvieXVI: How Ami trolling? If the parents feel he can survive without life support, take him home.
    The kid has a neurodegenerative brain disease. His brain tissue is mainly water. The kid is in a vegetative state and always will be for the short time he’s alive. He’s already on life support 18 months of his 24 months of being alive. What sort of ‘life’ is that?

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute League of shadows
    Favourite League of shadows
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:15 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you little Alfie and your family, stay strong.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:10 PM

    I don’t envy the parents having to go through this. Heartbreaking for them.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin McGrane
    Favourite Justin McGrane
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:22 PM

    Is this now a legal issue that Alfie is now an Italian citizen and therefore by the uk government refusing him leave from the country under the approval of his rightful guardians illegal?

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin Keogh
    Favourite Colin Keogh
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:23 PM

    @Justin McGrane: hed have to stripped of his british citizenship id suppose, now hed be dual citizen i think

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CC
    Favourite CC
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:13 PM

    God bless him! He’s going to be a fighter no doubt about it! Stay strong Alfie and family!

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Beurghs
    Favourite Tom Beurghs
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 4:25 PM

    Good luck little fella. Just terrible to see a small kid suffering like this. And much strength to mum and dad.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @mdmak33
    Favourite @mdmak33
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 2:50 PM

    The doctors were wrong.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:53 AM

    @@mdmak33: no, they just couldn’t save him….as they always said.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin Keogh
    Favourite Colin Keogh
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:22 PM

    that pope francais is a saint on earth he would renew you belief in the church

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 9:53 PM

    @Colin Keogh: no, he’s just plain out of touch with reality.

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:44 AM

    If he’s not reliant on life support, why don’t they take him home?
    The doctors took him off it so clearly he doesn’t need it.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kath Noonan
    Favourite Kath Noonan
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:43 PM

    Pope Francis appeals for Alfie to be kept alive, saying only God decides who should die???? So which is it???

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bellew
    Favourite Johnny Bellew
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 12:56 PM

    @Kath Noonan: Try everything possible to stay alive and then leave it in God’s hands.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Favourite Ciara Ni Mhurchu
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 3:16 PM

    @Johnny Bellew: God’s hands? Why did your god make him sick in the first place?

    52
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Puking Tiger
    Favourite Puking Tiger
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 2:02 AM

    @Ciara Ni Mhurchu: Maybe Alfie’s condition was caused by humans, an allergic reaction to vaccinations/immunisations.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean taoiseach
    Favourite Sean taoiseach
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 7:41 AM

    Let the child go if italian government are prepared to accept and fly him there it surely can do no harm if the poor child passes away en-route then at least he has been given one last fighting chance at a miracle and they do happen.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louise Hannigan
    Favourite Louise Hannigan
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:22 PM

    If the British judge’s child had a chance of survival by going to another country I’m sure they’d feel differently. The parents should be able to make a decision no1 else..i don’t agree with the case even going to court! its crazy

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Puking Tiger
    Favourite Puking Tiger
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 1:58 AM

    I totally support the wishes of little Alfie’s parents.I wish them all well.
    It appears the emotions of empathy is severly lacking in some people nowadays.

    I have followed this story with great Interest. I’m just wondering if little Alfie had his vaccinations/immunisations at birth, 2 months and 4 months and whether he might have had an allergic reaction to them?
    I was extremely disappointed with hayden’s and the european court rulings. Absolutely outrageous!! Shame on them!

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan Hoey
    Favourite Brendan Hoey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 11:38 PM

    Can the Italian doctors not come to england and treat him? Serious question

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EvieXVI
    Favourite EvieXVI
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:55 AM

    @Brendan Hoey: serious answer – no.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noshah Noshah
    Favourite Noshah Noshah
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 2:17 AM

    Why can’t they take him to Italy? there parents will live with guilt. Miracle happens.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liam Byrne
    Favourite Liam Byrne
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 8:36 PM

    So basically papa Frank says to take the child off life support and let god decide.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CC
    Favourite CC
    Report
    Apr 24th 2018, 10:12 PM

    @Liam Byrne: he said to keep him alive, what I got from that was to keep him on the life support.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Slater
    Favourite Kevin Slater
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 10:02 AM

    This story seems to be another example of media coverage of a sensationalist story.
    The papers have no interest in the child.
    The parents are hoping for a miracle. Comments on here are just a debate. No thought about the child. He will never have any quality of life.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Laurie Berry
    Favourite Laurie Berry
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 8:25 AM

    Maybe I misunderstood something, but if this child has Italian citizenship why do the Brits get to decide?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Laurie Berry
    Favourite Laurie Berry
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 8:26 AM

    Also, love Pope Francis, bet if he gave a blessing on behalf of Pope John Paul 2 a miracle would happen!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 26th 2018, 1:35 AM

    @Laurie Berry: I suppose you are being sarcastic.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Morris
    Favourite James Morris
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 10:33 AM

    I don’t understand why the judge wont let him travel to Italy?
    Fair enough if the docs in UK don’t think they can do anything more for him, but the Italians think they can, let them at it. Why block the attempt to save him, however futile it may prove to be, at least they are trying to save him, miracles can happen. He’s alive & off life support, who know that was possible a few days ago? This is a grotesque and bizarre case.. They seem to want him to die.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Morris
    Favourite James Morris
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 11:08 AM

    @Generation Snowflake: I agree it’s probably unlikely to change anything, but they’re willing & able to do it, why not let them at least try? Parents would go to the ends of the earth for their kids, whatever the odds. Why not let them travel to Italy? No cost to UK tax payer

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Morris
    Favourite James Morris
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:11 PM
    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Salvo Salv Trader Trader
    Favourite Salvo Salv Trader Trader
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:20 AM

    I find this totally unbelievable that the parents rights who created this child and cared for it are totally overpowered by a judiciary and medical system that totally ignores them.

    As a father of two young boys I’d take them to the Italian plane on my back if I had to and god spare anyone that tried to stop me if there was a hope.

    My da was told he was terminal ill from cancer sent to a hospice to die told he had weeks. He signed himself out and we carried him into the back of car against all medical advice. 3 months later he was in Spain swimming in the sea. 3 months after that he died. But for six months he was really alive not in deaths waiting room as he called it.

    The human spirit or sole his more powerful than any medicine if given a chance

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CC
    Favourite CC
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 10:21 AM

    I can’t believe they won’t let him go to Italy. It’s absolutely sickening

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Morris
    Favourite James Morris
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 11:10 AM

    @Generation Snowflake: Whats your problem with at least trying?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Morris
    Favourite James Morris
    Report
    Apr 25th 2018, 12:08 PM
    2
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Cahill
    Favourite Stephen Cahill
    Report
    Apr 26th 2018, 1:13 AM

    @Generation Snowflake: nothing is impossible

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 26th 2018, 1:38 AM

    @James Morris: A different medical case. Aysha wasn’t brain dead.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jindrich Marz
    Favourite Jindrich Marz
    Report
    Apr 26th 2018, 1:40 AM

    @Stephen Cahill: Yeah, in your head maybe, but modern science can’t bring dead brain back to life. And prayers neither.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds