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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Charlie Gard case

999 replies

LovelyBath77 · 06/07/2017 09:41

AIBU to feel the drama over this poor little boy is not helpful? I read the Pope and Donald Trump were suggesting they help- when several courts have agreed it is in his best interests to let the little boy die with dignity. I feel sorry for him as he may be in pain and it is unfair to add further to false hope for the parents as well. I also feel that many, many people has awful situations where babies die, sadly, for example stillbirths and other cases which are just un-heard and un-noticed and people have to deal with it, so why is there such a huge focus here.

OP posts:
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MidniteScribbler · 07/07/2017 01:45

I had all sympathy for the parents, but I'm really starting to question their motivations now. The carefully released images, merchandise, it's just sick now. They are using a tragic situation for publicity.

DorotheaBeale · 07/07/2017 01:49

I'm fairly cynical, but could she be assisting the family by fielding all the media requests so the family isn't hassled by lots of journos?

QuackPorridgeBacon · 07/07/2017 01:55

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

QuackPorridgeBacon · 07/07/2017 01:55

Fuckers*

TheWeeWitch · 07/07/2017 01:57

@DorotheaBeale yes, that's part of her job but as she says on her website she is a bylined writer so she is paid by the publication for writing "your story" and negotiates a fee for you when the story is sold.

www.featureworld.co.uk/alisonsmithsquire/

sparechange · 07/07/2017 01:59

PRs doing something out of the kindness of their hearts?

If they just wanted media management, they would have been better using a 'normal' publicist or PR. Photos wouldn't be copyrighted and pay-per-print

They are using a publicity-frenzy-machine, which is doing what it says on the tin

You could argue they've chosen this approach out of naivety and thinking it is the best line of action for Charlie's case, but there is no shadow of doubt that both the parents and publicist are making money from this

I note from earlier press reports that the legal team are working pro bono, so they can't even argue that they need to do this to pay the legal fees... Not to mention the £1.3m they already have in the bank from the crowdfunding campaign

TheWeeWitch · 07/07/2017 02:00

This -

Charlie Gard case
Whoareyouu · 07/07/2017 02:09

They are parents. Nuff said.

sparechange · 07/07/2017 02:11

Why is it 'nuff said'?

JaneEyre70 · 07/07/2017 06:35

Connie Yates is appearing on GMB within the next hour apparently so I'd say there is no sign of GOSH turning Charlie's life support off. I just can't understand what it being gained for Charlie with all these delays, it's just heartbreaking. I lost respect for the parents long ago, I'm also now starting to question why GOSH are also ignoring the judgements they went to court to get.................

ColossalKalamari · 07/07/2017 06:44

These photos of the parents aren't appearing by mistake though, they are still actively courting the gutter press. I do feel sorry for the doctors and nurses of me GOSH who don't get the right of reply and are having their reputations trashed. Ultimately though Charlie is the one who is most important here, he is suffering (according to courts and drs) and he should be allowed to die with dignity

CharlieSierra · 07/07/2017 06:47

It's so irresponsible of the media to fuel this, it's turned very distasteful. I suppose GOSH are holding back now because it's all got out of hand. I think the parents have completely abused the extra time they had to say goodbye 'in private'.

Zoflorabore · 07/07/2017 06:48

The newly released photo of the parents in the hospital chapel is apparently not new, it was taken when Charlie was first admitted.

I think they are trying to manipulate the situation and as usual it's the little boy who's suffering- the irony is unreal.

sashh · 07/07/2017 07:01

PodgeBod

Drs make decisions about what treatment to give or not give all the time, it should always be what is in the patient's best interests.

Some people have epi pens or antibiotics they keep at home, we could all carry an epu pen and all have antibiotics just in case we get an infection but as most of us do not have allergies that are life threatening or a propensity for chest infections we don't.

Just because a treatment is available it doesn't mean it will work or is suitable for a particular patient.

RMC123 · 07/07/2017 07:38

They are parents. Nuff said.

No it isn't. It is just about as far from enough said as it can be.
Parents have responsibilities not rights. Part of that is seeking advice and listening to people who are better qualified to help and guide you through impossibly difficult times.
This over simplistic attitude is infuriating and dangerous and it is the reasons poor boy is suffering, hooked up to machines while CA get their kicks showing society how compassionate and caring they really are.
Really bloody furious now!

SerfTerf · 07/07/2017 07:47

For some reason, this all reminds of the Mandy Allwood octuplet saga. That was played out over a long summer with the help of Max Clifford twenty years ago.

Pomegranatepompom · 07/07/2017 07:49

The support for GOSH is very appreciated.

JaneEyre70 · 07/07/2017 07:55

Mum has just said that she thinks Charlie stands a full chance of recovery.........I'm speechless. That newly released photo made me want to cry - his body is all swollen, probably from organ failure and she is still in denial.

Zoflorabore · 07/07/2017 07:57

Seems the parents are thriving off CA, the general public whilst remaining extremely sad and sympathetic are getting angry that this seems to be about the parents and not Charlie.
I know it's a cliche but if you love someone then set them free. It's getting to the point of being cruel now.

Alittlepotofrosie · 07/07/2017 08:00

She just said she thinks there's a chance he will lead a totally normal life. But every medical expert involved on the ruling agrees there's no real prospect of any meaningful improvement. On good morning Britain she started to say that nobody had explained charlies scans to her, then when the host asked her to clarify that, she back tracked considerably. She brought up the MRIs as well and said that it showed no evidence of brain damage. Apparently there's new evidence to consider.

Zoflorabore · 07/07/2017 08:02

Complete and utter denial :(

WhiteCat1704 · 07/07/2017 08:03

Doctors have known to be wrong countless times! Massive mistakes have been made by medical establishments that cost people lives and disabilities.

I bet the mother would die for her child if it meant he would recover. I have a boy not much older than Charlie and I would do anything.

None of you posters raging that parents want to try all the possible options would die for Charlie. None of the doctors or nurses would either as they have their own families and loved ones.

To call parents selfish because they won't give up on their son is flawed. Parents should decide when to let go especially since they raised the money for treatment - so there is no argument that it will burden NHS.

I hope either Pope or Trump can influence the hospital to just stop this and let Charlie be moved elsewhere.

If the hospital won't let him go I want to know why they are prolonging his suffering (as they insist he is in pain).

MiaowTheCat · 07/07/2017 08:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MumIsRunningAMarathon · 07/07/2017 08:08

whitecat wake up lovey

That CA lot have brainwashed you

MumIsRunningAMarathon · 07/07/2017 08:09

It's bloody embarrassing

I think GOSH will enforce the court ruling over the weekend. Wondering if Charlie needs to be made a ward of court or something