Tom Evans, the father of toddler Alfie Evans, has called on the general public to stand down and 'return to your everyday lives', while also praising the staff of Alder Hey Hospital, where his son has been receiving treatment.

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In the statement, he said: "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 from our Italian and Polish supporters, who have dedicated their time and support to our incredible fight.

"We would now ask you to return to your everyday lives and allow myself, Kate and Alder Hey to form a relationship, build a bridge and walk across it.

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"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.

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"We hope you will respect this."

Credit: PA

Yesterday, Alder Hey shared an open letter penned by the chairman and chief executive of the hospital trust.

Sir David Henshaw and Louise Shepherd CBE spoke about issues that the hospital and its staff have faced over the past few weeks, saying: "Our nursing, medical and support staff come into work each day at Alder Hey determined to do the best for our patients and those who care for them."

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They added: "Unfortunately, these same remarkable staff have recently been the target of unprecedented personal abuse that has been hard to bear.

"As an organisation, we have endured attacks upon our motivation, our professionalism and our ethics. It has been a very difficult time."

The letter added that every member of staff at the hospital was touched by Alfie's story, and that they 'feel deeply for Alfie and his whole family'.

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