FATHER BEGS:LET MY BABY LIVE

A father has begged the law to give his sick baby the chance to live.

Medical experts believe Charlotte Wyatt, 11 months, should be allowed to die because of constant pain from heart and lung trouble. But Darren Wyatt told how the tiny girl had wrapped her hand around his finger for an hour and seemed calmed by the contact. It was a sign, he said, that Charlotte could form a bond.

Mr Wyatt told the British High Court, the bonding happened as Charlotte lay in hospital in an oxygen box.

Charlotte weighed less than half a kilo when she was born in October 2003, only six months into her mothers pregnancy. She has not left hospital since.

If "the man upstairs" decided Charlotte should live, she should, Mr Wyatt said. Meanwhile he and his wife who is expecting their third child, will fight to prolong Charlottes life.

A Judge must decide whether doctors can allow Charlotte to die against the wishes of her parents. Doctors say such a move is the only humane way to end the child's suffering.