Eleven-month-old Charlie Gard, whose short life captured the hearts of the world, has died a week before his first birthday.
Charlie suffered from a rare genetic condition which saw him in hospital for the majority of his short life.
His parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, fought a lengthy and emotional legal battle to take their severely ill baby son to the US for treatment, but were denied by judges.
Charlie’s mother, Connie, said tonight: ‘Our beautiful little boy has gone, we are so proud of you Charlie.’
Vice President Mike Pence tweeted this response:
Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time.
— Vice President Pence (@VP)
July 28, 2017
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him…
Lord Jesus Christ,
by your own three days in the tomb,
you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you
and so made the grave a sign of hope
that promises resurrection
even as it claims our mortal bodies.
Grant that our brothers and sisters may sleep
here in peace
until you awaken them to glory,
for you are the resurrection and the life.
Then they will see you face to face
and in your light will see light
and know the splendor of God,
for you live and reign for ever and ever.
— Order of Christian Funerals
And today we celebrate...