Support for Luke

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Luke Winston-Jones and his family are facing an application as to whether Alder Hey Children's Hospital, who are caring for nine-month-old Luke will continue to treat him. Luke Winston-Jones from Holyhead, Anglesey, has been in hospital all of his life with Edwards Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

Muiris Lyons Partner at Alexander Harris solicitors who are representing Luke Winston-Jones' mother said today:

"Luke's case raises issues of significant public interest and his case has received considerable media and public attention. Cases such as Luke's raise many difficult questions for parents and doctors, and where there is a disagreement in relation to life-saving or life-prolonging treatment the Court has to decide what is in the child's best interests."

"In Luke's case there is a dispute as to the best treatment for him. A public hearing at the Family Division of the High Court on Thursday and Friday this week will determine what treatment Luke should receive in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest."

"The President of the Family Division Dame Butler-Sloss DBE will hear the case and as a senior Judge is ideally placed to give general guidance on this matter. Luke's mother, Ruth Winston-Jones, is extremely anxious about the days ahead and would like to do everything to promote awareness of the case and is actively seeking public support."

"He loves cuddles from his mum."
Ruth Winston-Jones

Ruth would like to say,"I would like to thank everyone who has sent Luke and I messages of support from the bottom of my heart. The public support I have received has been overwhelming."

"Luke is defying all odds. He has never been on a ventilator and he is in no pain. He has quality of life, he can see and hear and he recognises me and is growing, he loves cuddles from his mum. The family and I dream of a time when we can take him home, a place he has never been."

"Luke is a little fighter and we will do everything we can to give him the justice he deserves and the right to life. Children with Edwards Syndrome do survive and I am in contact with families whose children have lived into their 20's and 30's."

The family of Luke Winston-Jones have set up a support group online to receive the many messages of help and support they are getting. Ruth Winston-Jones would like to thank everyone who has taken the time and trouble to have contacted them, many from overseas, with such touching words of support. The website can be reached at www.lukewinston-jonessupportgroup.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

-The hearing will be held in public at the Family Division of the High Court. President of the Family Division, Dame Butler-Sloss DBE will hear the case spanning two days 21st and 22nd October 2004.
-Structure of the hearing - Counsel representing the NHS Trusts, Ruth Winston-Jones and CAFCASS (Luke's guardian ad litem) will open the hearing. Ruth Winston-Jones will give evidence along with other witnesses and medical experts. Counsel representing all parties will make closing remarks.
-The Judge may reserve her judgment and deliver it at a later date.

13/10/04 - Luke Winston-Jones case could go to court

13/10/04 - Press Comment - Luke Winston-Jones

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