THE family of a seriously ill nine-month-old baby are awaiting the outcome of a High Court hearing which will decide his fate.

Doctors are asking for permission to stop treating Luke Winston-Jones, who has heart problems and suffers from a rare condition called Edwards Syndrome.

The court hearing will take place at the Family Division of the High Court before Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday, October 22.

Luke's mother Ruth, who is staying with her family in Lach Dennis, is dreading the decision going against her.

She said: "It will end my world and that of my family."

Luke was born with three holes in his heart in January and has defied specialist predictions that he would die within two months because of Edwards Syndrome.

He spent most of his life in Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor before being moved two weeks ago to Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital where the decision was made to apply for treatment to stop.

But Luke has continued to grow, breast-feeding from his mother, who says he is a fighter and deserves to live.

She said: "He looks into my eyes and he trusts me.

"How can I let him die? He can see, he can hear, he can play and he can feed.

"He makes gurgling noises just like any other baby. Everyone can see he has a quality of life. Why can't the hospital?"

Meanwhile Luke's aunt Jacqueline Kirkwood, is joining her sister in appealing to the public for help.

She said: "We urge people to support us in any way they can by standing outside the court or emailing their support. How can they put a death warrant on a little boy, who is doing so well?"

The family have set up a website where members of the public can send their support.

It is www.lukewinston-jonessupportgroup.co.uk

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk