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Court of Appeal denies last minute plea from parents of Archie Battersbee

by Sophie Drew
Archie Battersbee cropped.png - Banner image
Hollie Dance/ Alamy

The Court of Appeal has refused to postpone the withdrawal of a life support machine from Archie Battersbee. 

The 12-year-old was due to have his life support switched off at 2pm on Monday, 1st August. 

Now, it will be removed by 12pm on Tuesday, 2nd August.

A last minute plea from the parents saw government officials urge the Court of Appeal to urgently consider a request from the United Nations. 

After reviewing the request, they have refused to postpone the young boys "planned death." 

The elite gymnast and keen boxer had long expressed an interest in Christianity; his dream of being christened was realised on Easter Sunday, whilst in an induced coma. 

His family followed suit on the Monday. 

Hollie Dance, who has drawn closer to her Christian faith since Battersbee was found unconscious in their Southend home in April, says only God can give or take a life. 

She said: "Until it's God's way, I won't accept he should go. I know of miracles when people have come back from being brain dead. He may not be the same as he was but if there's a possibility he could live a happy life after this, I want to give it to him."

Christian Concern - the legal team representing the Battersbee family - say their religious beliefs have not been given "the proper weight." 

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