Judge to start analysing evidence as appeal for baby Charlie Gard hits £1.2 million

A High Court judge is preparing to analyse evidence about a baby boy at the centre of a life-support treatment dispute.

Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London think it is time to stop providing life-support treatment to Charlie Gard, who is nearly eight months old.

Doctors say Charlie, who suffers from a rare genetic condition, should move to a palliative care regime.

But Charlie's parents postman Chris Gard and Connie Yates, of west London, want to be allowed to take Charlie to a hospital in America where they hope he will be treated.

The couple - both in their early 30s - launched an internet appeal to raise the money needed to treat Charlie on a GoFundMe website.

Over 80 000 people have so far pledged money and more than £1.2m has been raised.

"The outpouring of support for Charlie and his family is absolutely incredible," said a GoFundMe spokesman.

"This is the second largest campaign we've seen in Britain and the social sharing and number of donors are absolutely huge."

He added: "It is very rare and hugely moving to see this many people come together so quickly and it's testament to the power of Charlie's story."

Charlie, who was born on August 4 2016, has a form of mitochondrial disease which is a condition which causes progressive muscle weakness.

Mr Justice Francis is scheduled to begin analysing evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London on Monday before deciding which option is in Charlie's best interests.