Alfie Evans: parents' legal battle to keep son on life support

The funeral of Alfie Evans is taking place in Liverpool later today.

The little boy died at Alder Hey Hospital after a long legal battle between his parents and medical staff over plans to withdraw his life support.

He died shortly before what would have been his second birthday after being treated for a degenerative brain disease.

He'll be laid to rest in a private ceremony later.

His parents have thanked the community for their support but are asking for privacy during the funeral.

Supporters of Alfie Evans have organised a vigil to “brighten up the world” on what would have been his second birthday.

Family and friends along with members of ‘Alfie’s Army’ plan to light a candle to remember the 23 month old who was at the centre of a legal battle over his life support.

The vigil will be held in Springfield Park, next to Alder Hey Children's Hospital where Alfie died.

Alfie had suffered from an undiagnosed brain condition. His parents had wanted to take him abroad to Italy for further treatment - but doctors said further treatment was futile and his life support was withdrawn last month.

The father of Alfie Evans says his son has now survived for 3 days without ventilation.

The 23 month old's life support was withdrawn on Monday.

Tom Evans wants his son to be allowed home. He told reporters he's meeting officials at Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital later to discuss that possibility:

Lawyers representing Alder Hey Hospital bosses said the fact that he had continued to breathe unaided might have surprised members of the public but had not surprised specialists.

Barrister Michael Mylonas QC, who led Alder Hey's legal team, said it had never been suggested that Alfie would die as soon as life-support treatment stopped.

Two people believed to be German air ambulance staff have been escorted from Alder Hey Children's Hospital as the family of Alfie Evans appeal against a court decision preventing him from being taken abroad.

The terminally ill 23-month-old had his life support withdrawn on Monday night but his father Tom has said he is still "fighting".

On Wednesday afternoon a man and woman believed to be from a German air ambulance crew were escorted from the Liverpool hospital by police and security staff after being seen speaking to members of the Evans family.

A judge has ruled that Alfie will not be allowed to be taken abroad for treatment, but Mr Evans and Alfie's mother Kate James are challenging the decision in the Court of Appeal.

Calls were made on the Alfie's Army Facebook page earlier on Wednesday for ventilation equipment to be brought to the hospital.

Supporters were later seen running into the hospital with what appeared to be medical equipment.

Police remained in and around the building throughout the day and 20 to 30 supporters of the family were outside, with some parked in cars across the road.

A hospital spokesman said patients may notice enhanced security but should attend appointments as normal.

A dedicated helpline has been set up for patients due to attend appointments in the next few days. Anyone with concerns can call 0151 2824919

The second most senior family court judge in England and Wales is preparing to analyse the latest stage of the Alfie Evans life-support treatment dispute.

Sir Andrew McFarlane, who in July will become the new president of the Family Division of the High Court, will head a panel of three Court of Appeal judges due to hear arguments about the 23-month-old at a hearing in London on Wednesday afternoon.

Judicial heads announced earlier this week that Sir Andrew, currently Lord Justice McFarlane, would take over from Sir James Munby as the most senior family court judge in England and Wales.

Alfie's parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, who are both in their early 20s and from Liverpool, are appealing against a ruling made by a High Court judge late on Tuesday.

They want to move Alfie from Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool to a hospital in Rome.

Mr Justice Hayden decided, at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in Manchester, that Alfie should not be allowed to travel to Italy.