SPUC is funding a court case to help the mother of a five-year-old girl stop medics switching off her daughter’s life support machine. Mum, Paula Knight from Kent, said she “wept tears of joy” after she received the news of SPUC’s support to help save her little girl.

Ms Knight’s daughter, Pippa, has been in hospital in London for two years with a serious illness and is currently in a vegetative state.

Medics went to court in December seeking permission to cease treating Pippa and won the backing of Mr Justice Poole. He ruled specialists could lawfully stop treatment but said it should continue for a short period to give time to mount an appeal.

In desperation, Pippa’s mother Paula made a public plea for financial support to fund an appeal hearing which could cost £100,000.

SPUC has decided to answer that call.

Mum Paula said: “When my solicitor told me I was so relieved and overwhelmed and I must admit I shed some tears. SPUC has given Pippa a second chance - and she deserves a second chance.

“I’m grateful not just for the financial support but for their prayers for Pippa, their faith and humanity and for trying to save her with prayers and love.”

The brave mother has said that evidence shows that Pippa is not in pain and that two independent medical experts believe home care is worth trying.

She said: “I don’t understand why the hospital and the court wouldn’t let me find out whether Pippa could come home to be cared for with all her family around her, when two independent doctors from reputable hospitals in England both said that they thought this was worth trying.

“Instead, the court has decided that all Pippa’s treatment should be withdrawn so that she dies.”

How you can help protect Pippa

John Deighan, SPUC Deputy Chief Executive said: “All lives are sacred and we oppose abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia in all its forms. We have been deeply moved by Pippa’s plight and Paula’s predicament as this courageous mum does everything humanly possible to protect her daughter and give her the best possible care. We could not stand by and do nothing.

“Our supporters have a wonderful track record of giving generously to defend the right of life in court cases and I am sure they will respond to our call to help finance this crucial legal battle.

“I would urge everyone to dig deep and provide as much as they can to help fund the legal fight to save Pippa and go to our website and make a donation at www.spuc.org.uk/donate. And we also ask for your prayers too.”