to all GN's living in France 4 year old boy missing

Mishap Another good point in this sad saga.

But, if that is what the father really thought, Mishap, why not report the fact? We know they must have had strong feeling regarding choice of future treatment.

We don't seem very intent on leaving the family alone on here, do we? Why would the newspapers be any different to us, their readers.

Mishap

It was the father who said the words on camera whilst being spoken to, the media cameras were merely the conduit for his words.

If anybody was watching in real time the events of yesterday it was very confusing because of the contradictions from comment to comment. When you read papers or look on-line it doesn't give you the same perspective possibly.

If the family thought the hospital were going to 'kil him or turn him into a vegetable', the fathers words not any media outlet, then it would have a possible bearing on his removal from hospital.

There are reports this morning that the Czech hospital confirms it took Southampton two weeks to respond to their request for medical records.

Also, did anybody else get the impression the child's operation was a couple of weeks ago at most. Seems it was six weeks ago today.

Yes; that's the impression I got petallus.

The media invite these sort of comments - last night an interviewer said to the father "I expect you are feeling very angry" - I think that is what is called a leading question. Just trying to get a reaction that will make a good soundbite. It is unacceptable.

Unfortunately when things are reported in the news media, many people believe them to be fact rather then an opinion expressed while in an emotional state. The father's statement should not have been splashed around. Others facing the same difficult decisions will to find this helpful - it is clearly not fact.

"will not find this helpful" - slip of the finger.

There were two operations, one six weeks before and one a week before.
I do not agree with splashing the comments of a distraught father across the papers either. I can't see that it helps anyone, least of all other parents.

We must not lose sight of the fact that this poor little lad has already suffered brain damage that will be irreversible. That is clear from the videos. Whatever happens now, the family are likely to blame the doctors for the outcome; but sometimes there is no cure and no way forward and there is no-one to blame.

petallus

So deceitful.

Sorry. Didn't see your post Mamie. Hard to really tell what's what isn't it?

I wonder where the parents would be now, without the media publicity.

In a much worse position than they are now I imagine.

There is a charity for the promotion of proton therapy and so far they have received £30,00 or so in donations from the general public. Added to this, a mystery donor has contributed £150,000.

The charity will keep any money which is left over.

Just heard on news, his parents have permission to take him to Prague. He will go on private jet.

Wow! Hope he gets some treatment that will really help him.

Sadly, I fear it may be too late to really help him.

I have read somewhere (can't remember where) that his prognosis is in fact not as bleak as first suggested and with treatment he could be cured. That would be wonderful if its true.

When my husband had his operation to remove his brain tumour he was home within a week. There was no problem with the parents taking Ashya out of hospital a week after his operation. They usually wait a couple of weeks before giving any radiotherapy. A mask has to be made, and the swelling allowed to go down. They usually give steroids for that.

Do hope it works for him, as you said, nightowl.

Yes. That would be wonderful.

It's not too late. The treatment has to be given within six weeks of the operation. I think it should start today for maximum benefit. The Prague hospital say they can start in 4 to 5 days.

Yes I hope this treatment can start as soon as possible now.

If he can be cured that is wonderful and if, sadly, he can't then his parents will know they did everything they could for him. It is awful to feel helpless to save your child.

They didn't say cured. They say it's not fatal. Very different. Any brain damage is likely to be pernament

Let the sun shine on this beautiful boy