Archie Battersbee's family making urgent application to ECHR

Archie Battersbee has never regained consciousness since his accident in April. (Photo: GoFundMe)

The family of Archie Battersbee are making an urgent application to the European Court of Human Rights to stop his life support from being removed.

They were given until 9am this morning to submit the application after the Supreme Court yesterday refused an appeal. 

Barts Health NHS Trust has told the family that Archie's life support will be withdrawn at 11am if the application is not submitted in time. 

The family and their lawyers have expressed frustration at the tight deadline and the Trust's refusal to allow Archie to be moved to a hospice. 

"This is cruel and we are absolutely appalled," said Archie's mother, Hollie Dance. 

Following an application by the family, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) asked for a temporary stay on the withdrawal of Archie's life support while it considers his case.

The government said in its submissions to the Supreme Court that interventions by the UN CRPD are "not binding" under international law. 

Archie, 12, was found unconscious in his home in Southend, Essex, with a ligature around his neck. His mother thinks he may have been taking part in an online challenge.

He has never regained consciousness but Ms Dance maintains that she has seen improvements in her son and that he should be given more time to recover. 

His family are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre, who are asking for prayers. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
The Christian Church in mainland China since 1949
The Christian Church in mainland China since 1949

The history of the Christian Church in mainland China since 1949 is a story characterised by times of dramatic upheaval, near destruction and martyrdom, and unexpected revival.

Church of England releases prayer for national unity
Church of England releases prayer for national unity

Bishops in the Church of England have issued a prayer for unity in the UK that asks God's protection from "the perils of division and hatred". 

Police drop criminal investigation into street preacher
Police drop criminal investigation into street preacher

A pastor has hailed a "win for free speech" after police dropped a criminal investigation into him over comments he made about Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching. 

Christians encouraged to be bold in public life
Christians encouraged to be bold in public life

Christians were urged to continue “standing and speaking for Jesus” in workplaces, schools, politics and local communities.