Tom Evans and Kate James have asked their supporters to return to their every day lives
The story that has gripped the world appears to be coming to an end.
After the parents of Alfie Evans, the 23-month old Toddler with a rare degenerative neurological condition, released a public statement.
In the letter passed out by Tom Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, called on their supporters to "return back to their everyday lives" and asked for privacy as they deal with the tragic circumstances of Alfie's terminal condition.
The pair have been in a long-running legal battle with the children's hospital over the past six months after doctors demanded his life support be switched off. A decision which was then backed by the courts.
Doctors at the Alder Hey hospital insisted Alfie was brain dead and keeping him alive would be ''futile.''
A last minute olive branch to transfer the child to Rome to continue the search for a diagnosis was offered by Italy, but the move was blocked by the UK Courts.
After numerous appeals to the UK High Court, UK Court of Appeal, UK Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights to have that decision repealed, his life support was switched off on Monday evening.
However he continues to breathe on his own more than 60-hours later.
The case has drawn unprecedented coverage from all over the world, has divided public opinion. Facebook group 'Alfies Army' boasts over 600,000 members, while numerous protests have broken out at the Hospital demanding the infant be kept alive.
However, after a final unsuccessful appeal, the matter appears to have drawn to a conclusion.
Read the full statement here:
''I wish to make a statement on behalf of myself and Kate.
Our lives have been turned upside down by the intense focus on Alfie and his situation.
Our little family, along with Alder Hey, has become the centre of attention for many people around the world and it has meant we have not been able to live our lives as we would like.
We are very grateful and we appreciate all the support we have received from around the world, including form our Italian and Polish supporters, who have dedicated their time and support to our incredible fight.
We would now ask you to return back to your everyday lives and allow myself, Kate and Alder Hey to form a relationship, build a bridge and walk across it.
We also wish to thank Alder Hey staff at every level for their dignity and professionalism during what must be an incredibly difficult time for them too.
Together we recognise the strains recent events have put upon us all, and we now wish for privacy for everyone concerned.
In Alfie's interests we will work with his treating team on a plan that provides our boy with the dignity and comfort he needs.
From this point onwards there will be no more statements issued, or interviews given.
We hope you respect this.''
