'This has been a devastating journey' Alder Hey Hospital sends condolences to Alfie Evans
MEDICS at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where Alfie Evans was treated have sent their heartfelt condolences to the toddler who died in the early hours of this morning.
Legal battle toddler Alfie Evans dies at 23 months
The 23-month-old toddler, who suffered from a rare degenerative neurological illness, died at 2.30am - four days after the Liverpool hospital turned off his life support machine following a lengthy legal battle.
In a statement, the hospital said: “We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Alfie’s family at this extremely distressing time.
“All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them. This has been a devastating journey for them and we would ask that their privacy and the privacy of staff at Alder Hey is respected.”
The 23-month-old tot died at 2.30am
Tom Evans, 21, said: “My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings..absolutely heartbroken"
Alfie’s parents, who have campaigned tirelessly over their right to fly the little boy to Italy for treatment, shared the devastating news on Facebook in the early hours.
Dad Tom Evans, 21, said: “My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings...absolutely heartbroken.”
Mum Kate James, 20, added: “Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30am. We are heartbroken. Thank you everyone for all your support.”
Mourners have left flowers and teddies at the hospital
Alfie, born in May 2016, was admitted to the hospital last December following a series of seizures and had stayed a patient since.
The legal battle attracted attention from across the world with Pope Francis meeting Alfie’s father and Italy putting air ambulances on alert ready to transfer the toddler.
Following a series of High Court rulings and appeals as medics and parents clashed over the child’s care, judges decided Alfie would not go to Italy earlier this week.
First flowers laid in tribute to Alfie Evans
A mourner wipes a tear as another man leaves flowers at the scene
But despite the Italian Government granting the seriously ill boy citizenship, Alfie's life support was switched off on Monday following a late night court ruling.
Mourners flocked to the hospital this morning to pay tribute to the little boy at the centre of the international legal battle.
They wiped tears as they placed flowers, teddies, cards and candles at the hospital entrance and surrounding areas.