Alfie Evans' father says he dreamed of watching son play for Everton as he makes first public appearance since toddler's death

Tom Evans made the speech while accepting a Blueblood award at Everton football club on Tuesday
Mr Evans made his first appearance since his son's death on April 28
PA
Sophie Williams2 May 2018

The father of Alfie Evans said he dreamed of watching his son play for Everton as he made his first public appearance since the toddler's death.

Tom Evans said "Alfie will always be a part of Everton" as he accepted an award at the Liverpool club on Tuesday evening.

The 23-month-old died on April 28 five days after his life support was removed at the Alder Hey children's hospital.

Mr Evans was handed the Blueblood award by the club's chairman Bill Kenwright during Everton's end of season awards ceremony.

Tom Evans speaks to the media outside Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital
PA Wire/PA Images

According to Everton, the award is given to those who "embody the Evertonian spirit."

After accepting the award, Mr Evans told the crowd: "Alfie really wanted to go to a game and as soon as we went to a game, he was screaming. I don't think there was a happier person than Alfie to be part of Everton., Alfie wore the badge with pride through his situation.

"Alfie will always be a part of Everton."

Mr Evans added that his dream as a child was to play for Everton and he hoped that Alfie could have had the opportunity.

Alfie Evans protesters try to storm hospital 23/04/2018

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He then said: "I wear the badge with pride no matter the situation and Alfie wore his no matter the situation.

"I couldn't be more proud to support this club because of the support I've received and I'm just glad Alfie got to wear the kit and was part of Everton."

Alfie Evans was at the centre of a legal battle over his treatment. Doctors at Alder Hey hospital said that his degenerative brain condition was untreatable and went to the High Courts to be given the go-ahead to remove his life support.

However his parents wanted to take him to Italy for treatment and had huge public support.

The Everton chairman had previously supported the family with a donation towards their legal battle, reports the Liverpool Echo.

On April 23, a high court ruling gave Alder Hey the go-ahead to remove his life support.

On Tuesday, the family of Alfie Evans asked supporters to stop editing photos of the toddler with angel wings and halos as they found it upsetting.

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