Charlie Gard: Uncle writes tribute poem after baby dies from rare brain disorder

‘I know inside you'll always know how much they fought for you’

Andy Gard wrote the words for his little nephew who died from an incurable genetic condition affecting the brain (Enterprise)

The uncle of Charlie Gard, a baby who died after his parents fought a high-profile court battle to keep him alive, has written a touching poem in his memory.

Andy Gard posted the tribute on Instagram, hours after the family announced the boy had died.

“I know inside you’ll always know how much they fought for you,” he wrote.

“But now they both need you from heaven to watch over them now, too.”

The poem has been liked on the social media platform close to 17,000 times.

The case of Charlie Gard, who died shortly before his first birthday after suffering a rare brain disorder, caught the attention of major political and religious figures around the world.

Pope Francis tweeted after Charlie’s death: “I entrust little Charlie to the Father and pray for his parents and all those who loved him.”

US Vice President Mike Pence, who is strongly pro-life, tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen and I offer our prayers and condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time.”

President Trump had previously tweeted about the case, offering to help the baby and his family.

His parents lost a five-month legal battle to take their son to the US to receive experimental, unproven nucleoside therapy from a specialist as courts ruled it would have little chance of success.

An end-of-life plan was approved on Thursday by High Court judge Nicholas Francis. Charlie was kept on life support at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and then moved to a hospice where the artificial ventilator was switched off.

Prime Minister Theresa May also paid tribute to Charlie’s family.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Charlie Gard,” she said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie’s parents Chris and Connie at this difficult time.”

After the baby died on Friday, Connie Yates said: “Our beautiful little boy has gone, we are so proud of you Charlie.”

Andy Gard’s full poem is below:

“From ever since your daddy phoned me to say that you were here.

“Right up until you were driven home and me and daddy had some beers.

“I know inside you’ll always know how much they fought for you.

“But now they both need you from heaven to watch over them now, too.

“For I’ll never know in my own lifetime how life could be so cruel.

“All I know for certain is that I’m the world’s proudest Uncle.

“While we stay in this ugly world, your spirit now has freedom.

“Rest assured our beloved Charlie, in this fight we will not be beaten.

“At the moment all we do is feel pain, feel sad we sob and cry.

“But we always hold out the belief that there’s no such thing as goodbye.

“So I’ll leave this poem here just for now, but just to clarify... All my love, my hope the fight I need will be inspired by your eyes.

“I love you Charlie. Thank you for being you.

“Uncle Andy.”