Peter and Emma Smith, the parents of Maxwell who suffers a similar mitochondrial depletion condition to Charlie, appeared on the show to discuss their views on Charlie’s parents’ battle for permission to fly him to America to try treatment.
Holly Willoughby, 36, and her presenting partner Phillip Schofield, 55, struggled to keep their emotions under control as Peter spoke out about his own experience of the disease from the point of view of a father.
“I try to explain it as a father,” he told the hosts. “I have a son who’s ill, so I’m going to look after him no matter what, do everything.”
Maxwell’s mitochondrial disease was diagnosed when he was just nine-months-old, after which Peter and Emma went on to become experts in the field by tracking down all possible research on the rare disease.
This led to them finding a treatment for Maxwell, who takes an experimental drug to help him live with the condition.
The impassioned father explained that, without the nucleoside treatment that his son receives, which costs £13,000 a year, Maxwell’s condition would not have improved.
“My son hasn’t moved his eyes for three-and-a-half years,” he said, breaking down in tears. “And he started maybe three or four weeks ago.
“I say my prayers over my son every night,” Peter continued. “And I’m thankful that he’s on that medication. And I think that, as a parent, you’re going to strive to do the best that you can for your child.”
As the cameras cut to Holly and Phil, the presenters were overcome with emotion by his moving statement as he insisted that Charlie’s parents should have the right to do everything they can in order to allow their son the smallest chance of improving through experimental treatment.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
