‘Friends and family wanted to see him for the last time’

brain-damaged and unable to hear, see or move.

His parents wanted to take him to the US for experimental treatment they believed could save his life, despite Great Ormond Street doctors doubting that it would work.

In April, the High Court ruled that Charlie’s life support machine could be switched off to allow him to “die with dignity”.

Ms Yates and Mr Gard, from Bedfont, west London, appealed the decision the following month but the Court Of Appeal upheld the ruling .

The couple raised more than £1.3million through crowdfunding to pay for the American treatment and yesterday they thanked everyone who donated.

Earlier this week, they appealed to the European Court Of Human Rights to be allowed to take Charlie to the US, but the doctors’ decision to end his life support was upheld.

A Great Ormond Street spokesperson initially said that there would be “no rush” to change Charlie’s care. But his parents say they feel rushed because their request to keep him alive over the weekend was denied. Ms Yates said: “We begged them to give us the weekend. Friends and family wanted to come and see Charlie for the last time.

“But now there isn’t even time for that. Doctors said they would not rush to turn off his ventilator but we are being rushed. Not only are we not allowed to take our son to an expert hospital to save his life, we also can’t choose how or when our son dies.”

Great Ormond Street said in a statement following the judgment: “Today’s decision by the European Court Of Human Rights marks the end of what has been a very difficult process and our priority is to provide every possible support to Charlie’s parents as we prepare for the next steps.

“There will be no rush by Great Ormond Street Hospital to change Charlie’s care and any future treatment plans will involve careful planning and discussion.”