'Alfie, we are with you' - Sheffield woman shows support for seriously-ill toddler Alfie Evans

The 23-month-old's life support was switched off yesterday but he was still breathing today, according to his father Tom Evans.

Alfie's parents campaigned unsuccessfully to prevent Alder Hey Children's Hospital stopping the youngster's life support, and protesters backing the family have been demonstrating outside the hospital.

A High Court judge today asked doctors if 'other options' are possible to allow Alfie's family to take him home, but he appeared to rule out the possibility of them taking him to Italy for treatment.

Suzie Cooper said she wanted to show her support for Alfie and his parents from her flat on Reney Road in Greenhill, where she is displaying a banner saying 'Alfie, we are with you. Pray from Sheffield'.

"I've been following poor Alfie's story for a while and I wanted to show we're supporting him in Sheffield and hope he gets the treatment he needs," added the 50-year-old former carer.

Alfie has a degenerative neurological condition and has been in a semi-vegetative state for more than a year.

The hospital has said further treatment would be not only 'futile' but also 'unkind and inhumane'.

His parents are seeking permission to fly him to a hospital in Rome, which has links to the Vatican, in the hope of prolonging his life.