Malcolm Chisholm, instructed by CAFCASS, acted for the child through his Guardian in the recent case of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust v Neriman Braqi & Anor [2024] EWHC 2901 (Fam). The case concerned a one-year-old boy, Ayden Braqi, who suffered from a severe, progressive and irreversible neuromuscular disease with no known cure.

Ayden passed away at Great Ormond Street Hospital on Thursday 14 November following the court’s decision. During the proceedings evidence was presented showing that while Ayden’s condition severely affected his physical health, he was also described as being 'cognitively intact', with the ability to 'see, hear, smell, feel, and enjoy'. His mother, Neriman Braqi, opposed the hospital’s application, arguing that Ayden should continue to receive care and highlighting that he 'still smiles' despite his condition.

This difficult and sensitive case raised complex questions about the competing benefits and burdens of life-limiting medical conditions.