A couple is hoping to persuade a High Court judge to let them take their sick baby son to an American hospital after raising more than £1.2 million to pay for treatment.

Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London think it is time to stop providing life-support treatment to Charlie Gard, who is nearly eight months old.

Doctors say Charlie, who suffers from a rare genetic condition, should move to a palliative care regime.

From March: Couple fighting hospital to keep son Charlie Gard alive need to find £800,000 in two weeks

However, Charlie's parents postman Chris Gard and Connie Yates, of Bedfont in Hounslow, want to be allowed to take him to a hospital in the US where they hope he can be treated.

Mr Justice Francis is scheduled to begin analysing evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London tomorrow (Monday, April 3) before deciding what option is in Charlie's best interests.

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Charlie with his parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard

Charlie's parents - both in their early 30s - launched an internet appeal on the GoFundMe website two months ago and said they needed to raise £1.2 million.

Website data shows the target was passed today (Sunday, April 2) after nearly 80,000 people pledged money.

"The outpouring of support for Charlie and his family is absolutely incredible," said a GoFundMe spokesman.

"This is the second largest campaign we've seen in Britain and the social sharing and number of donors are absolutely huge.

"It is very rare and hugely moving to see this many people come together so quickly and it's testament to the power of Charlie's story."

He added: "We wish the family all the very best this week and beyond."

For more information, visit https://www.gofundme.com/please-help-to-save-charlies-life