Indi Gregory's life-support withdrawn as critically ill baby moved to hospice

12 November 2023 , 15:45

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Indi Gregory could legally have her life-support removed, a court ruled previously (Image: PA)

Critically ill baby Indi Gregory has been transferred to a hospice after her life support treatment was withdrawn following a lengthy legal battle.

The eight-month-old has incurable mitochondrial disease - a condition that stops her cells' mitochondria from producing enough energy. Specialists say she is dying and bosses at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham asked for a ruling that doctors could lawfully limit treatment. They say keeping her alive causes pain and is futile as all options have been exhausted.

The removal of Indi’s life-support comes despite calls from her devastated parents to prolong the youngster’s life. In light of with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vowing to do what she could to "defend" Indi's life, father Dean Gregory had hit out at officials who approved the decision to remove life-support.

Claire Staniforth and Dean Gregory wanted to take Indi to Italy for treatment (FAMILY HANDOUT/AFP via Getty Ima)

He said: "For the hospital and the UK Courts to simply ignore the offer from the Italian government is disgraceful. I appeal to the British government to allow Indi to come to Italy before it is too late. As a father I have never asked or begged for anything in my life, but I am now begging the British government to please help prevent our daughter's life from being taken away.”

But Dean and Claire Staniforth, from Ilkeston, lost fights in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. They had since wanted specialists to withdraw treatment from their daughter at their home in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Indi was reportedly transferred from the hospital in Nottingham today (November 12) to an ambulance with a police security escort. She is said to have slept during the journey.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre who have been supporting the family, said: "Dean and Claire are by the side of their precious daughter Indi, keeping watch over her. We ask for your prayers for them".

Jake Loader