London: The parents of a 12-year-old boy who suffered a “catastrophic” brain injury have been refused permission to appeal against a decision to end his life support treatment. The U.K. Court of Appeal judges ruled on July 25 that the youngster could be disconnected from a ventilator.

Archie Battersbee was found unconscious at home in Southend, Essex, on 7 April and the Royal London Hospital believe he is brain dead. The specialists attempted to carry out brain stem function tests. However, Archie did not respond to a peripheral nerve stimulation test, which precedes a brain stem function test.

Appeal judges supported a High Court ruling that ending his life support was lawful and in his best interests.

A 48-hour delay to ending treatment has been ordered so the family can appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

In a statement, his mother Hollie Dance, said: "As long as Archie is alive, I will never give up on him; he is too good to give up on.

The boy’s father spent a night in the hospital after being taken ill shortly before the most recent Court of Appeals ruling, reported the Independent. He appeared to recover and was released the following day.

Following this ruling, Bishop John Sherrington of the Diocese of Westminster said: "The sad case of Archie Battersbee's condition is very distressing. The Catholic Church requires moral certainty before it recognizes death."

"We seek and pray that he will continue to be treated with full dignity in his disabled condition with continuation of his life-sustaining treatment in accord with his parent's wishes until there is a clear agreement that his death has occurred."

After the June hearing, Archie’s family decided to appeal the decision of the High Court. A further hearing was held in the High Court from July 11-15. Justice Hayden subsequently ruled that further treatment was "futile" and that withdrawal of life support was in Archie’s best interests.

Removal of life support has been delayed by 48 hours to allow Archie’s family time to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Archie’s family has been supported by the Christian Legal Center throughout this process.