CHARLIE Gard, the baby boy who captured the hearts of the world with his brave battle for life, has died just one week before his first birthday.

The 11-month-old tot finally succumbed to the brutal condition, which saw him take centre stage in an unprecedented legal battle.

A never before seen picture of Charlie Gard released on the day of his death when he was just one day old Credit: Featureworld

Little Charlie Gard has died just a week before his first birthday Credit: PA:Press Association

The tot has been the centre of a High Court battle as his parents fought to keep him alive Credit: PA:Press Association

The brave tot’s fight caught the attention of everyone from US President Donald Trump to the Pope as his defiant parents desperately fought to take him to the United States for untested treatment.

It was against the advice of Great Ormond Street doctors who said he should be allowed to “die with dignity”.

But after a five-month legal battle the 11-month-old boy's parents gave up their fight last week saying "time has run out" after scans showed his condition had deteriorated too much.

They begged Great Ormond Street doctors to let them take baby Charlie home for his final days, but were overruled by the hospital which said the ventilator keeping him alive was too bulky to fit through their front door.

They finally agreed for him to be placed in a hospice.

Tonight Charlie's heartbroken mum Connie Yates said: "Our beautiful little boy has gone, we are so proud of you Charlie."

Baby Charlie Gard’s parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard say they were robbed of precious time with their son Credit: Featureworld

His parents had been forced to split their time between baby Charlie's bedside and the High Court Credit: Featureworld

Superhero Charlie has spent most of his life in hospital fighting against a rare form of mitochondrial disease Credit: Featureworld

Tonight a Great Ormond Street Hospital spokesman sent Charlie's family their "heartfelt condolences".

Hundreds of others from around the world have paid tribute to the tragic tot as they shared their heartbreak over baby Charlie's death.

The case drew comment from U.S. President Donald Trump, who tweeted on July 3 that "we would be delighted" to help Charlie, and from Pope Francis, who called for the parents to be allowed to do everything possible to treat their child.

Tonight Prime Minister Theresa May said she is "deeply saddened" by the death of 11-month-old Charlie Gard and said her "thoughts and prayers" are with his parents.

While Pope Francis said he prays for "little Charlie" and "for his parents and all those who loved him".

Hundreds of supporters - called Charlie's Army - lended their voices and money for him to be given treatment, with £1.35 million raised on an online fundraising site.

Tributes to Charlie Gard pour in from around the world Prime Minister Theresa May said she is "deeply saddened" by the death of 11-month-old Charlie Gard and her "thoughts and prayers" are with his parents.

Pope Francis says he prays for "little Charlie" and "for his parents and all those who loved him".

Piers Morgan led the tributes, tweeting “RIP Charlie Gard. A brave little boy who touched the world.”

American Vice President Mike Pence: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time.”

Boxer Frank Bruno wrote: “My thoughts are with the family of #CharlieGard…this has been a very difficult journey and no one will hurt more than his parents”

TV presenter Jake Humphrey also took to the social media site writing simply: “RIP Charlie Gard”.

Kay Burley wrote: “God bless little man”.

X Factor winner Sam Bailey wrote: "RIP LITTLE CHARLIE GARD!!! Heaven has gained the most precious little prince xx thoughts to all his family xxx".

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton who has been following the legal battle wrote: "Very sad news. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. #CharlieGard #RIP".

Connie cradles baby Charlie who she desperately fought to save Credit: Featureworld

Charlie suffered from an extremely rare genetic condition causing progressive brain damage and muscle weakness.

His parents had wanted Charlie to undergo a treatment that has never been tried on anyone with his condition before.

But Great Ormond Street doctors argued it would not benefit him and would prolong his suffering.

Charlie required a ventilator to breathe and was unable to see, hear or swallow.

His mum said earlier today the family have had no control over the baby's life or death after a High Court judge denied their wish for extra days to "make precious memories" with their son.

Charlie's family plan to launch charity foundation in his honour CHARLIE’S parents plan to “fill the void” left by their baby’s death by launching a charity foundation. They want to use £1.35million of donations to help other parents whose kids have similar conditions to the rare genetic disorder suffered by Charlie.

A family friend said that his mum Connie Yates would head the charity while dad Chris would probably return to his job as a postman and support her in his spare time.

The pal said: “Charlie’s passing will leave a huge void in their lives. They have been consumed by this for almost a year and have had very little time to think of anything else.

“Now Charlie has gone they are going to struggle to find some purpose in their lives. Everyone thinks that setting up the Charlie Gard Foundation will be fantastic for Connie.

“It will give her something to focus on and help to create a legacy for Charlie and mean that he didn’t die in vain.

“Chris will help, but he is keen to get back to normal as much as possible and has talked about going back to work.”

5 An emotional Connie Yates covered her face as she left court this week Credit: Peter Jordan - The Sun

5 Charlie Gard's godfather James Evers left court with the tot's mum Connie Credit: ©2017 Pete Maclaine / i-Images

5 Chris Gard and Connie Yates had been in court to plead that their son comes home with them to die Credit: EPA

She said "we just want some peace" after Mr Justice Francis approved a plan to move Charlie from Great Ormond Street Hospital to a hospice.

In an earlier statement, Connie Yates explained the judge had denied her and dad Chris Gard's wish to take Charlie away from a hospital environment to die.

She said this was despite her and Chris working "tirelessly" with their legal team to arrange two doctors and a team of nurses to care for Charlie 24/7 in a fully-equipped flat.

She said: "We just want some peace with our son. No hospital, no lawyers, no courts, no media. Just quality time with Charlie away from everything to say goodbye to him in the most loving way.

"Most people won't ever have to go through what we've been through.

5

"We've have had no control over our son's life and no control over our son's death."

Connie added she couldn't give the time or place where Charlie will die, as this will remain private.

The ruling came as Great Ormond Street said it "deeply regrets differences between Charlie’s doctors and his parents have had to be played out in court over such a protracted period."

The hospital added: "It has been a uniquely painful and distressing process for all concerned.

Charlie's heartbreakingly short life in moving pictures as he dies before his first birthday

"Charlie’s parents have tirelessly advocated for what they sincerely believed was right for their son, and nobody could fault them for doing so.

"All of us at Great Ormond Street Hospital get up every morning to care for sick children, not to cause further anguish to devoted parents like Chris and Connie.

"We have tried absolutely everything to accommodate their final wishes and engaged not only with those who volunteered to treat Charlie but experts from across the health service in close consultation with the NHS to make this happen."

5 The little boy's fight for life touched millions of people around the world Credit: Featureworld

The tot has bravely fought his rare condition since he was five weeks old Credit: Featureworld

Charlie's parents finally agreed for him to be placed in a hospice after a court ruling Credit: FEATUREWORLD