BLUE ARMY
What is Alfie Evans’ Facebook page and what has Alfie’s Army said about Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool?
THOUSANDS of people rallied around the parents of Alfie Evans to show their support for the terminally ill tot.
Using the name Alfie's Army, supporters flocked to Alder Hey Hospital to protest against the decision to turn off his life support. Here is what you need to know...
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What is the Alfie Evans’ official Facebook page?
The Alfie Evans Facebook page was set up to raise awareness of the youngster's fight.
Alfie had been living in a coma for well over a year after being struck down with a mystery illness.
He was placed on life support at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool in December 2016.
The page started gaining members as his parents Tom Evans and Kate James battled the courts to keep their son alive.
Alfie's desperate parents posted updates on the page since his life support was switched off letting the 381,000 members know how the tot was coping.
The 23-month-old's parents broke the news to their Facebook supporters that Alfie had lost his battle for life on April 28, 2018, confirming the tot passed away at 2.30am.
Devastated dad Tom Evans, 21, said: "My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 02:30... absolutely heartbroken... I LOVE YOU MY GUY".
Alfie's mum Kate James wrote: "Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30 am. We are heart broken. Thankyou everyone for all your support."
On what would have been Alfie's second birthday the group helped to organise vigils across the UK in his honour.
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What did Alfie's Army say about Alder Hey Hospital?
Members of Alfie's Army protested outside the hospital in Liverpool after a Court of Appeal bid to keep the youngster's life support on was denied.
Candlelit vigils were carried out for Alfie as thousands showed their support.
Supporters gathered outside the hospital on Saturday just hours after Alfie died and held a vigil, singing You'll Never Walk Alone and releasing blue and purple balloons.
Social media users posted messages to Kate and Tom as they continued their battle to keep their son alive.
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Using the hashtag #AlfiesArmy, one said: “Come on little buddy, hang in there! The whole world is pulling for you!!”
While another wrote: “Keep fighting little man.
“You’re doing so well Alfie, we all love you - you are a true fighter! #SaveAlfieEvans."
But on April 23, some protesters tried to storm the hospital and were blocked at the entrance by police.
Two days later, the hospital was placed on lockdown amid rumours of a planned raid by protesters supporting the ill toddler.
Merseyside Police warned supporters of Alfie's family that their social media posts were being monitored over reports that Alder Hey doctors were being hit with abuse.
Chief Inspector Chris Gibson said: "Any offences including malicious communications and threatening behaviour will be investigated and where necessary will be acted upon."
And an open letter from the heads of Alder Hey said their staff had been subjected to a "barrage" of abuse.
LATEST ON ALFIE EVANS
What were their petitions?
A number of petitions have been shared on the page including demanding Alfie be released from Alder Hey and be sent to an Italian hospital for treatment, which has more than 470,000 signatures.
The parents wanted to airlift Alfie to Rome for treatment — against the wishes of British doctors — after receiving the backing of the Pope and the Italian government.
But Appeal Court judges ruled the ill tot would not be flown to Italy for treatment.
Supporters called for people to sign the petition to "give Alfie his rightful chance at life".
A separate JustGiving page was also made, asking for £150,000 to help diagnose Alfie and get him the right treatment.
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