AN event run from Thurrock this week will help raise funds for a campaign opposed to removing life-support services to a south Essex child.

Grays-based Thames Delta Radio will be broadcasting live on YouTube, Facebook and other social media raising awareness of the appeal to help the family of Archie Battersbee, a 12-year-old from Southend who has been at the centre of a traumatic legal battle.

Archie has been on life-support at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, since suffering brain damage after an incident at home in early April. He has never regained consciousness.

A judge has ruled that his life-support should be switched off, following a treatment dispute which has taken place at the High Court.

Archie's mum Hollie has spoken of her devastation and refused to give up hope. She said: "I know my son is still there."

A campaign organisation called the Christian Legal Centre is supporting Hollie and Archie's family.

Its chief executive Andrea Williams said: "This ruling is a devastating moment for Archie and his family. The idea that death can be declared on the balance of probability is frankly ludicrous.

"Life is the most precious gift that we have. This ruling sets a troubling and dark precedent. This case has raised significant moral, legal and medical questions as to when a person is dead.

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"Archie's parents do not accept that he is dead and are fighting courageously for his life. They will not give up now and intend to appeal. We will continue to stand with the family and continue to pray for a miracle."

Alistair Chesser, the chief medical officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, has expressed sympathies for Archie's family, adding that the hospital will give them time to appeal.

The 'Spread the Purple Love' broadcast will feature Acid Brothers, Solartrak, Joanne Harper, Liz Rolley, Tessa Hawes and Dan Vant.

The fundraiser can be accessed via this link.