Alfie Evans parents to launch foundation in his name ‘to continue the fight against euthanasia’
THE parents of tragic Alfie Evans are launching a foundation in his name to continue the battle against euthanasia.
Tom Evans and Kate James, who gave birth to a son last month, want to "honour" Alfie and help other families "fight for the lives of their loved ones".
Alfie died of a degenerative brain disease in April aged 23 months after a lengthy legal battle to stop doctors at Alder Hey turning off his life support.
Tom, 21, revealed the plans for the foundation as he was honoured in Rome - where he previously flew to see Pope Francis when doctors in Italy offered to treat Alfie.
He also paid tribute to organisation called Steadfast, which backed the family in their fight and helped set up the meeting with the Pope, reports.
Accepting an award for the "defence of human life", Tom said: "It is also in our plans to present a bill to the attention of the British Parliament to try to change the status quo.
"We will no longer allow what has happened to us to happen to others. We will help families who will fight for the lives of their loved ones.";
Tom fought back tears as he spoke of his baby son, who is named after himself, saying: "I am here to ask you to not stop fighting for the value of life, in memory of Alfie and in the name of all those who, every day, before and after him, will face those who believe that death is the only 'best interest'.
"We will always have two children, forever. We love you Alfie. We do."
Hundreds of supporters — dubbed “Alfie’s Army” — protested at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where Alfie was being treated.
But his life support was switched off despite pleas at the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights.
Family's fight
DECEMBER 2016: Alfie, seven months, is taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after suffering seizures and goes into coma.
DECEMBER 2017: Doctors say continued life-support treatment is not in the tot’s best interests.
FEBRUARY 2018: High Court judge Mr Justice Hayden rules in hospital’s favour and says further treatment is futile.
MARCH 2018: Parents Tom and Kate mount a challenge but decision is upheld.
APRIL 2018: Supreme Court justices and the European Court of Human Rights reject a bid from Tom and Kate to consider Alfie’s case.
APRIL 28: Alfie dies after life-support is switched off. His parents say: “We are heartbroken.”
AUGUST 6: The couple’s second child, Thomas Evans, is born.
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Alfie died 100 hours later, with devastated Tom announcing on Facebook: “My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings.
“Absolutely heartbroken. I love you my guy.”
There were fears baby Thomas could suffer from the same condition as Alfie because Kate and Tom carry a rare gene which sparked the illness but he has been given the all-clear.