Heartbroken family and friends have gathered to bid a final farewell to Archie Battersbee, the schoolboy at the centre of a life-support court battle this summer.

A High Court judge ruled doctors could stop giving treatment to the schoolboy, 12, who was found unresponsive at his home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on April 7.

He suffered ‘irretrievable’ brain damage and never regained consciousness, but his parents argued that his heart was still beating – and insisted their son was ‘still in there’.

Doctors stopped treatment in early August after Archie’s mum, Hollie Dance, and dad, Paul Battersbee, were unsuccessful in their attempts to overturn the ruling by Mr Justice Hayden.

His family confirmed he died in hospital at 12.15pm on August 8 after his life support was withdrawn.

In an emotional statement, Ms Dance said: ‘I would just like to say I am the proudest mum in the world.

‘He was such a beautiful little boy. He fought right until the very end and I am so proud to be his mum.’

Archie’s funeral is taking place this afternoon at St Mary’s Church in Prittlewell, Southend, with a service to celebrate his life led by Reverend Paul Mackay.

Dozens of mourners have attended to pay their final respects to Archie.

His family have been supported by campaign group the Christian Legal Centre -which said the service would include music and poetry.

A floral arrangement spelling out ‘son’ was placed close to the coffin inside the church, while a wreath was placed on top.

Hip-hop music was played as the funeral began, before a video of Archie singing was shown, according to EssexLive.

A church choir then sung a rendition of Mariah Carey’s ‘One Sweet Day’.

Ms Dance is preparing to discuss the implications of Archie’s case with a health minister.

She had written to now-former health secretary, Steven Barclay to request a meeting alongside her MP, Anna Firth.

Mr Barclay replied to say a minister would discuss the case – but a date has yet to be fixed.

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