Archie Battersbee

I think non of us can comment on this case and make a conclusion.
No one has enough facts except his parents and probably the Medical team.
It will all come out at the inquest when eventually there is one.
We can have sympathy for the poor little boy,his parents and the Medical staff looking after him whose main aim is to preserve life when at all possible.
I certainly would not like to be in any of their positions or my child in Archies.

Mine

Is there any grans who think this tragic situation shouldn't be up for discussion on Gransnet....I know I do....angry

Why?

Archie's parents are in touch with the media, keeping them informed of what is happening. Possibly this helps them to cope - knowing that their child is not just quietly forgotten?

Under every media headline there are comments from readers - some more helpful than others. It is being widely debated, so why do you think Grans should not discuss this? From what I can see, they are being very sensitive and understanding here on this thread. Some on here have had similar experiences with life-support and are calmly helping everyone to understand what is involved.

If these discussions promote better understanding of what is involved in such a sad and terrible situation, then surely it does some good? Being 'informed' is never a bad thing. If Archie's parents wanted to keep this entirely private, they would not involve the media. But they haven't, and I suspect it gives them some comfort in their grief to know that the majority of people feel such intense sympathy for them - and him.

Such a heartbreaking situation for Archie’s parents. My thoughts are also with the intensive care team who have been caring for him round the clock for several months. As the mother of a nurse with 15 years ICU experience I know the staff will find this very sad situation extremely upsetting.

I hope Archie’s parents can find peace.

When the inevitable happens and Archie is declared dead there will be an inquest into what happened. I've always thought 'doing a challenge' a rather strange explanation.

Archie’s mum has spoken to the media since the beginning (April).

It is a heartbreaking situation for all concerned however, if you court the media what is an extremely private situation becomes one of public interest and you must expect all views to be voiced both negative and positive.

I cannot imagine how Archie’s Mum is feeling.

Mine

Sorry MISSADVENTURE I can only speak for myself but if that was my son the last thing I would want to hear is that he was being discussed on an online chat group where people are giving different opinions on the situation....

But that’s exactly what you are doing ??‍♀️
I think if I was in that situation, I’d be like the parents clinging onto every last glimmer of hope. It’s human nature. My heart goes out to everyone involved, family and medical staff. Truly a tragic case.

I do wonder after listening to Archie’s Mum this morning if she wants to bring him to our local children’s hospice. She was describing the surroundings, she wants him to be outside for one more time.

My heart goes out to her, I hope she finds peace, and can let Archie have a dignified end of his young short life.

(The family live a couple of miles from us)

BlueBelle the boy was found by his mother hanging from the banister with a ligature around his neck.
He had to be cut down by a neighbour.
There is no evidence that it was a ‘TikTok challenge’ (there is none that involves ligatures, and it wasn’t being filmed).

I just heard the mother saying Archie was only without oxygen for three minutes how does she know that I thought he was alone in his bedroom I guess the poor lady is just clutching at anything she can but as hard as it is calling the medical and judicial teams out so badly in the way she is isn’t helpful to anyone I m sure it’s her grief talking but this should all be much more private

I have been reading a lot about this case recently.
Regarding Christian Legal Concern; the veracity of various people’s claims; Archie’s childhood; the media circus; the legal situation; and the incredibly difficult situation that the doctors and hospital are in.
Unfortunately I can’t repeat what I’ve learned because I will be reported.

Tragic case and I fail to understand why the parents don’t respect the medical profession’s advice. Hard as it may be, I hope I would take on board, even in these shocking circumstances, that brain death meant there was no hope.
The key word here is ‘artificial’. If we did not have modern technology, wonderful as it is, this drawn out agony would not have happened.
Everything would have been done to preserve Archie’s life, but it’s actually disrespectful to turn against those who have done their best in a case which cannot have a happy ending.

This was how poor Archie was found by his mother....

Archie sustained profound brain damage from lack of oxygen in early April, when he was found at home with a ligature around his neck. All medical experts who have examined him have agreed that he has absolutely devastating brain damage, from which there is no possibility of recovery.10 hours ago

I fear that his desperate mother misunderstands what a hospice is and can do if, as she says tonight, she thinks that a hospice might be a solution. There is no possible good outcome now, and bad mouthing the hospital staff just makes it worse.

You are so right, i didnt have to sign anything with my grandparents or Mum, but just seeing the very slow progression from life to death was horrific, i wouldnt wish it on anyone, let alone a parent of a beautiful young boy with so much life to live.
I just hope that at some point soon they can find the courage to just let it be ?

It is hard to even think about what Archie's parents are feeling; were it my child I would be crazed and probably deaf to anything other than a desire to try to keep him alive. There are specialists, experts, among the doctors who are doubtlessly guiding the parents through this terrible time, and I hope they can help them to reconcile with his mortality. Poor, poor boy - and to never know the truth of why this happened.

What must be particularly hard for the parents is that they don’t know for sure how all this happened.
They have said they believe it was some sort of internet dare which went tragically wrong, but they may never know for sure what it entailed.

Nicky I agree with your post how ever heartbreaking and it truly is I can’t imagine it everything has been done for this little lad and now he should be able to die in peace x
I had to sign for both my mum and dad to receive no further treatment and it sit ps on your shoulders very heavily but for a child it’s worse they are just starting out in life I can’t bear to think of having to make that decision but the time has come for this little chap to be at peace

nearlylegal.co.uk/2018/04/on-the-naughty-step-the-questionable-ethics-of-the-christian-legal-centre/

Barmeyoldbat how sad and so difficult for you all ?

Barmyoldbat and anyone who has been through this awful, horrible situation, you have my profound admiration.
We should never have this decision to make.
Life should not be prolonged by machine.
Death Is death, we should not have the means to prolong it at will by artificial means.
It is so much harder to accept, it is not natures way.

Christian Concern Fleurpepper
christianconcern.com/

For my penneth worth, removing life support would be the kindest (inevitable) ‘natural’ death for this lovely boy.
leaving him indefinitely and absolutely to die whilst on support is not natural, the family would no doubt witness days / weeks and maybe months of Archie breaking down, and for me this would be horrific, that said, i’m not thank god in this situation.
I pray for Archie and his family ❤️

In early March this year I had to make the decision for treatment to be withdrawn and my daughter allowed to slip away, it was the hardest decision I ever had to make but I made it. She couldn’t go to the hospice near by but the hospice nurses came in and looked after her and I and my family were given so much support. You just don’t want your child to suffer anymore than they have to and also to have some quality of life IF they recover, it’s love for your child that gives you the strength to do make the decision I hope that Archies parents can find that strength and let go

The Christian Legal Centre are supporting the family.

Do you have more information about this religious group?