A brave mum who is fighting for her daughter’s right to life, with the support of SPUC, has described how they have enjoyed a walk together “in the spring sunshine”. Currently, judges are preparing to decide if hospital bosses can switch off the little girl’s life support.

In December 2020, medics went to court seeking permission to cease treating Pippa Knight, 5, who has been in hospital for two years. Justice Poole ruled that ruled specialists could lawfully stop treatment. With the backing of SPUC, Pippa’s brave mum, Paula Parfitt, launched a court appeal intended to save her daughter’s life.

Ms Parfitt from Kent has now described how Pippa and herself enjoyed a walk in the “spring sunshine".

She said: “A few weeks ago I didn’t think these walks would be taking place at all. We have been out three times in the last week with a portable ventilator.

“This shows people what is possible, can be achieved and gives hope for the future and for other people too.

“A more modern ventilator which I would have at home would be even better and offer Pippa even more movement and help her even more.”

Protecting Pippa

SPUC is funding a £100,000 last gasp appeal by Paula, and has asked its thousands of supporters to help fund the case to protect Pippa.

Margaret Akers, SPUC Campaign Research Officer, said: “We are delighted to see that Pippa is thriving and that she and her mother are enjoying springtime, in spite of the circumstances of this case. It is evident from these photos that family life is a tremendous benefit to Pippa, and time together with her mother is so valuable.

“It is our hope that the court will recognise this, and rule in favour of allowing Pippa to go home and be cared for in the presence of her family. It must be so challenging for Paula, to know the fate of her daughter lies in the hands of the courts. Now, we can only hope that the judges rule in defence of Pippa’s right to life.”

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