09 October 2023 , 19:52
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The dad of a critically-ill baby who could have life-saving treatment denied has begged a judge to give his daughter more time.
Doctors say it would be kinder to let seven-month-old Indi Gregory die. She has mitochondrial disease, an incurable condition which saps energy from the body’s cells. But her parents Claire Staniforth, 35, and Dean Gregory, 37, say Indi is happy and has “proved everyone wrong”. Dean told a High Court judge: “You only get one life”.
Claire and Dean have spent months at their daughter’s bedside at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Hospital bosses say it is in Indi’s best interests not to be given treatment to “sustain her life” if her condition worsens. It is the same condition that affected baby Charlie Gard. They want a judge to rule that doctors can lawfully limit treatment provided to the youngster.
Indi, pictured with mum Claire, has the same condition as baby Charlie Gard (GoFundMe)Mr Justice Peel is considering evidence at a private trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London. The doctor treating Indi told him she is dying and that keeping her on a ventilator would “prolong matters”.
He said Indi has “no meaningful interaction with the world”, adding: “She has significant amounts of time of distress. It is very difficult to watch.” But Dean, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, said medics are painting a “wrongly pessimistic and bleak” picture.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
He said being “threatened with court” was “just evil”, adding: “It felt like I am being dragged through hell.” Dean said he did not think his daughter was in pain “We are there every day,” he told the judge. “If I thought she was in pain, I would not be here arguing.
Dad Dean says baby Indi 'deserves a chance at life' (PA)“You have only got one life. You have to go through a little bit of pain to carry on with that life. She has proved everyone wrong. I think she needs more time.”
Barrister Bruno Quintavalle, who is representing Indi’s parents, said: “Mr Gregory believes that Indi does enjoy life.” Mr Justice Peel is considering evidence behind closed doors but has allowed journalists to attend the hearing.
He ruled Indi, her parents, and the hospital can be named - but medics and a guardian appointed to represent Indi’s interests cannot. Charlie Gard died from mitochondrial disease in 2017 after his parents fought and lost a court battle over his life support being withdrawn by doctors.