A KELTY mum has been left heartbroken after learning that her friend’s son will not be kept alive on life support. 

Gemma Michelle Allan, 31, appealed to Press readers last month for support to help raise the £1.2 million needed to help eight-month old

Charlie Gard in a US treatment trial.

However, specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital said he has irreversible brain damage and should be moved to palliative care, and on Tuesday a High Court judge ruled in their favour. 

Gemma, who befriended Charlie’s parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard on an online forum during her pregnancy, said: “I am absolutely devastated. I still can’t believe it that the judge ruled in this way. 

“I don’t want to sound petty but it’s just not fair. Connie and Chris raised over £1.25m through the Go Fund Me page, so they have the funds to take Charlie over to America. All they had to do was just give him a chance to get treated. If it doesn’t work then his parents are prepared to let him go but they will never know if they don’t get the chance.”

The couple, from London, were “devastated” by the decision and intend to appeal. 

Charlie, who was born on August 4 last year, has a disorder called mitochondrial depletion syndrome, a rare disease which affects the genetic building blocks that give energy to cells. It causes progressive muscle weakness and brain damage.

Gemma continued: “When Connie told me about Charlie’s health issues at just eight-weeks-old, I was absolutely devastated, my heart was broken for them. I am also a first-time mum and my son, Isaac, is only a week older than Charlie. 

“I organised a pamper event in Lochgelly to raise funds but it wasn’t as well supported as I thought it would be. However, the target on the Just Giving page was reached and lots of celebrities supported the cause too. 

“A Facebook group called Charlie’s Army also has 13,000 members. Whatever Connie and Chris decided to do I will support them. They are so inspirational and have done more for that little boy then anyone would do in a whole lifetime.”

The hospital will provide life-support treatment until a decision about an appeal is made.