Archie Battersbee 'fought until the end', says mum after son dies

Archie Battersbee, the 12-year-old who had been at the centre of a legal battle between his parents and doctors, has died.

His mother, Hollie Dance, said: "Such a beautiful little boy, and he fought right until the very end."

She said she was "the proudest mum in the world" as she spoke outside the Royal London Hospital in east London, where he died.

Her son's life support was withdrawn earlier on Saturday.

He died at 12.15 BST, Ms Dance said, adding: "I'm so proud to be his mum."

Archie had been in hospital since being found unconscious at his home in Southend, Essex, in April.

He suffered severe brain injuries and needed life-sustaining support, including mechanical ventilation and drug treatment. He never regained consciousness.

Ms Dance earlier said she had done everything she promised Archie she would do, but that the hospital had made it clear there were no more options for her son.

She and Paul Battersbee, Archie's father, had asked the European Court of Human Rights to intervene in the case last week as they fought for life support to be continued, but were told it fell outside its scope.

They then wanted him to be moved to a hospice but the High Court, taking medical evidence into account, ruled he was too unstable to be transported by ambulance.

Ms Dance said: "It's with my deepest sympathy and sadness to tell you Archie passed at 12.15 today.

"And can I just tell you, I'm the proudest mum in the whole world.

"Such a beautiful little boy and he fought right until the very end and I'm so proud to be his mum."

The High Court ruled Archie should remain at Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London.

The family sought permission to appeal against the decision, but that bid was rejected by three justices at the Court of Appeal.

They then asked the ECHR to intervene, but late on Friday, the court said the request could not be dealt with.

In a statement after Archie's death, Barts Health NHS Trust said: "Members of his family were present at the bedside and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with them at this difficult time.

"The trust would like to thank the medical, nursing and support staff in the paediatric intensive care department who looked after Archie."

The trust said staff had provided "high quality care with extraordinary compassion" in often "trying and distressing circumstances".

"This tragic case not only affected the family and his carers but touched the hearts of many across the country" the trust added.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which has been supporting the family's case, said: "Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Archie's family at this tragic moment."