Tributes pour in for Charlie Gard after 11-month-old dies just a week before first birthday

Tributes have poured in from across the world following the death of Charlie Gard just one week before his first birthday.

The 11-month-old had been moved to a hospice after his parents Chris and Connie ended their legal battle over his care and on Friday night they issued a statement announcing his death saying: “Our beautiful, little boy has gone. We are so proud of you, Charlie.”

Tributes have poured in from across the world, including from The Pope, who tweeted: “I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Charlie Gard. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie’s parents Chris and Connie at this difficult time.”

And a spokeswoman for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which has been in a protracted legal battle with Charlie’s parents over his care, said: “Everyone at Great Ormond Street Hospital sends their heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s parents and loved ones at this very sad time.”

Charlie, who was born “perfectly healthy” on August 4 last year, suffered from a form of mitochondrial disease, a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and brain damage.

His parents had wanted to take him to the US for nucleoside bypass therapy, but specialists at GOSH said the treatment was experimental and would not help.

MORE: Charlie Gard’s short life pitched parents into turmoil and grief
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Charlie’s plight saw hundreds of supporters – called Charlie’s Army – lending their voices and money for him to be given treatment, with £1.35 million raised on an online fundraising site.

The protracted legal battle saw the couple take their case to the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court – all of which ruled life support treatment should end and Charlie should be allowed to die with dignity.

The couple ended their battle and a court ordered that Charlie be moved to a hospice where his life support would be withdrawn.

Paying tribute to their son following the end of their legal challenge on Monday his parents, both in their 30s, of Bedfont, west London, described him as an “absolute warrior”.