THE PARENTS of Alfie Evans have asked for their privacy to be respected at his funeral next week.
Tom Evans and Kate James will lay their son to rest this Monday, May 14.
Details have been released of how well-wishers can pay their respects, while the funeral procession will pass by Everton’s Goodison Park ground.
Officers from Merseyside Police will attend the funeral, which takes place just five days after what would have been Alfie’s second birthday.
'Difficult time'
Chief Inspector Chris Gibson said: “We respect that this is a very difficult time for Alfie’s family, friends and the wider members of the public and appreciate that a number of people will want to pay their respects and offer their condolences.
“Alfie’s mum and dad, Tom and Kate, continue to thank the community for their support but have asked us to ask well-wishers to respect their privacy during the event.
“They have invited those who wish to show their support on the day to line the pavement on Walton Lane outside Goodison Park from the junction of Spellow lane towards Queens Drive as the funeral procession passes between 11 and 11.30am.
“Both the funeral and wake will not be open to the public or media, with our attendance purely being to offer support for those attending the funeral.
“Those who have not been invited to the funeral are asked to avoid the area to allow Alfie’s family to grieve privately.”
Legal fight
Alfie, who was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological condition, passed away on April 28 following a legal battle between his parents and Alder Hey Hospital.
The hospital said Alfie had suffered ‘catastrophic degradation of the brain tissue’ and further treatment was both futile and unkind.
However Alfie’s parents wanted to take their son to the Bambino Gesu children’s hospital in Rome for further treatment.
Alfie’s life support was withdrawn on Monday, April 23 and despite continuing to breathe on his own, the High Court rejected a last-ditch appeal to allow him to travel to Rome.
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