Charlie Gard parents may set up foundation in baby's name

Charlie Gard parents may set up foundation in baby's name



Charlie Gard's parents will set up a charity in the little boy's name to ensure he didn't 'die in vain'.

Connie Yates and Chris Gard said goodbye to their baby boy on Friday evening after a lengthy court battle to save his life and take him to America for treatment for his rare disease.

They raised £1.35million to pay for the treatment in the USA and an air ambulance to take him there, which they have already confirmed will be donated to other children in need.



But now the grief-stricken parents have hinted that they may go a step further, and set up a foundation to remember the 11-month-old.

A family friend told the Sun: 'Now Charlie has gone they are going to struggle to find some purpose in their lives. Everyone thinks that setting up the Charlie Gard Foundation will be fantastic for Connie.

'It will give her something to focus on and help to create a legacy for Charlie and mean that he didn't die in vain.



Chris will help, but he is keen to get back to normal as much as possible and has talked about going back to work.'

Charlie died on Friday, July 28, a week before his first birthday.



Following the announcement of his death just after 6pm, tributes came in from around the world. Theresa May said she was deeply saddened and US vice-president Mike Pence expressed his regret. 'RIP Charlie Gard' was trending on social media.

Pope Francis, who had offered medical help at the Vatican hospital, tweeted: 'I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him.'

His final days were spent in a different battle as his parents fought to be able to take him home to spend precious hours, and then to a hospice, where his life support was eventually withdrawn last night.