When is Alfie Evans’ funeral, what time will it start at Goodison Park and what route does the cortege follow?
THE plight of tragic tot Alfie Evans captured the heart of the nation and was at the centre of a High Court battle before he died in the early hours of April 28.
His devastated parents announced his death to the world on social media with supporters releasing balloons the same day. But when is his funeral?
When is Alfie Evans' funeral?
The tragic tot will be laid to rest today with thousands expected to line the streets of Liverpool to pay their respects.
People are allowed to line the route of his funeral cortege but his family has requested the funeral itself be private.
Merseyside Police said mourners can stand on the pavement outside Goodison Park from 11am.
They can stand in Walton Lane outside Everton’s ground from the junction of Spellow Lane towards Queens Drive.
The funeral procession is expected to pass between 11am and 11.30am.
Police released a statement on behalf of dad Tom Evans, 21, and mum Kate James, 20.
Chief Inspector Chris Gibson said: “We respect that this is a very difficult time for Alfie’s family, friends and the wider members of the public and appreciate that a number of people will want to pay their respects and offer their condolences.
“Alfie’s mum and dad, Tom and Kate, continue to thank the community for their support but have asked us to ask well-wishers to respect their privacy during the event.”
Alfie's Army supporters paid tribute to the toddler with a balloon release outside Alder Hey Hospital on the day he died.
They filled the sky with an array of blue, purple and white balloons to reflect the family's love of Everton Football Club as they sang You'll Never Walk Alone.
Floral tributes were also left outside the doors of Alder Hey, which some of Alfie's Army had tried to storm the week before.
On May 9, the date of what would have been his second birthday, vigils were planned for across the country in Alfie's memory.
Tributes to the little boy poured in as the world learnt of his death on April 28, with global tributes led by Pope Francis - who had recently given him Italian Citizenship.
He tweeted: "I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie. Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace."
When did Alfie Evans die?
Alfie Evans died in the early hours of April 28 at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool where he spent the majority of his short life.
It is said his dad, Tom Evans, spent 10 minutes trying to revive his son after he stopped breathing and passed away.
The toddler was suffering from a rare degenerative condition which left him in a semi-vegetative state for over a year.
Alfie was taken off life support on April 23 at 9.17pm but survived for a further four days, defying doctors expectations.
The following day doctors provided the toddler with oxygen and water as the tot continued to breathe on his own.
His parents let wellwishers know of their son's death with two posts of Facebook.
Tom posted: "My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 02:30... absolutely heartbroken... I LOVE YOU MY GUY".
His mum, Kate James, wrote: "Out baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30 am. We are heartbroken.
"Thankyou everyone for all your support.";
How much has the JustGiving page raised after his death?
Alfie's family set up a fundraising page ten months ago to help fund their legal bid to stop his life support being turned off - it has now raised over £138,000.
The was linked to the Alfie's Army Facebook page and since the tot's passing his dedicated supporters have continued donating to help pay for his funeral.
It is thought at least some of the funds will pay for the service and other funeral costs.
Funds have poured in from across the world as people rally to try and support his devastated parents as they prepare to say a final goodbye to their son.
Other fundraising pages have been set up by generous members of the public to help raise money for the tot's funeral.
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