Archie Battersbee: Mum’s fight to keep son, 12, on life support to be reviewed by High Court | UK News

A mother’s fight to keep her son’s life support switched on after he was found unconscious four weeks ago is being reviewed by a High Court judge.

Archie Battersbee, of Southend, Essex, has not regained consciousness after suffering brain damage in an incident at home more than a month ago.

Specialists treating the 12-year-old think it is “highly likely” he is dead, and say life support treatment should stop.

His parents, Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbee, have raised concerns about the doctors’ proposals.

Mrs Justice Arbuthnot is scheduled to consider the case at a private hearing in London on Thursday.

Ms Dance has said Archie, who is being cared for at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London, might have been taking part in a “online challenge” when he was hurt.

She said she found the keen gymnast and MMA fighter with a ligature over his head on 7 April.

“Archie had a severe brain injury only four weeks ago, there’s not been enough time to see what he can do,” Ms Dance told the Daily Mail.

“I’ve refused the brain stem testing to declare him brain dead. It’s too soon.

“He has squeezed my fingers with a tight grip. I think that’s his way of letting me know he’s still here and just needs more time.”

Since Archie went into hospital, his sister Lauren has started an Instagram page where people can follow his treatment.

Boxers David Haye and Ricky Hatton have posted videos of support and a gofundme page has also raised more than £14,000 so far in donations.

Campaign group Christian Legal Centre is supporting Archie’s family.

“We are standing with Archie and his family every step of the way,” said the centre’s chief executive, Andrea Williams.

“We want to give him every chance of life.”