GoFundMeA baby suffering from a deadly genetic disease has been given a chance at recovery thanks to the kindness of strangers who donated money to save his life.
Charlie Gard was born a healthy 8Ib 3oz to thrilled parents Connie Yates, 31, and her partner Chris Gard, 32, on August 4 2016.
However at just eight weeks old his parents were devastated when he was diagnosed with a potentially deadly genetic condition, which left him on life support.
Go Fund MeCharlie suffers from an exceptionally rare disease, Charlie’s believed to be only the 16th person diagnosed with it, called mitochondrial depletion syndrome.
The disease causes a disruption in the mitochondria, the part of the cell that works as an engine providing energy to his vital organs including the brain and lungs.
His brave parents however weren’t willing to give up on their baby boy and set up a GoFundMe page to pay for an experimental treatment in the U.S. which may save the seven-month-old’s life.
GoFundMeIn the eight months since the family’s appeal started nearly 80 000 people have pledged their money to the family and raised more than £1.2 million.
Several social media pages, including UNILAD, picked up the story to try and help Charlie get the treatment that could help save his life:
Unfortunately though both Connie and Chris face an uphill battle to save their son.
Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital have claimed they don’t believe it’s in Charlie’s best interests to continue life-sustaining treatment.
GoFundMe The hospital has now applied to the High Court to stop Charlie’s artificial ventilation, an intervention which will end his life.
A High Court judge is due to analyse medical evidence tomorrow before deciding what is in Charlie’s best interests.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.